The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (GUR) released a documentary film titled "Operation on Snake Island: New Insights" on May 7, highlighting the efforts of Ukrainian forces to reclaim the island in the Black Sea from invaders in 2022.

The film is available on GUR's official YouTube channel.

Landing operation on Snake Island, May 7, 2022: Key Points

The documentary provides comprehensive insights into the joint actions of Ukrainian special forces and the Navy during the landing operation that took place three years ago.

According to Ukrainian military officials, this operation was a result of careful planning and was executed as a surprise attack against the enemy using boats and helicopters.

The commander of the special unit involved in the operation confirmed that the assault by Ukrainian forces was an unpleasant surprise for the enemy.

“They did not anticipate our attack, and we inflicted significant losses on them,” said the commander.

The battle for the island lasted most of the day, forcing the enemy to deploy additional forces to repel the attack. Although Ukrainian paratroopers had to retreat, this operation demonstrated the possibility of liberating the island.

Why is Snake Island strategically important?

GUR head Kyrylo Budanov emphasized that the operation on Snake Island significantly enriched the experience of Ukrainian troops, both during the attempt to capture it and while mastering the captured equipment.

Subsequent actions to liberate Snake Island in the summer of 2022 allowed Ukraine to regain control over strategic maritime routes.

“This island was under the control of Russian special forces attempting to block shipping. Now, that has changed,” Budanov stated.

The liberation of Snake Island has been a crucial factor for the operation of the “grain corridor,” vital for the Ukrainian economy and global food security.