On the air of the all-Ukrainian telethon, the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine stated that Zmiinyi Island (or Snake Island) is of strategic importance both for Ukraine and for the russian occupiers, as it enables the control of the sea waters and, to a certain extent, the aerial situation in the south of Ukraine. Zmiinyi Island is also strategically important in terms of russia’s ability for a tactical naval landing.

According to Major General Kyrylo Budanov, theoretically, Zmiinyi Island is the only region through which the russian occupiers can try to land in the territory of Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova.

“Anyone who controls the island can block the movement of civilian ships in all directions in the south of Ukraine at any time. Zmiinyi Island is Ukraine’s territory, and we will de-occupy it and we will fight for it for as long as it takes. This is a strategically important point to open trade routes, import weapons and exclude any possible russian military action in Transnistria, from where they can attack the western part of Ukraine,” the DIU Chief said.