In the anniversary of the liberation of Zmiinyi Island, Volodymyr Zelenskyi President of Ukraine distinguished the Ukrainian warriors, who had recaptured the Island from the enemy, and named the Heroes, who had fallen while performing a combat operation.

The head of state reminded that russian terrorists needed Zmiinyi Island to destroy the entire south of Ukraine.

"Our soldiers stopped them and drove them out of Zmiinyi Island. I am grateful to everyone who freed Snake Island! Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, together with other elements of the Defence and Security Forces of our country conducted this operation. Defence Intelligence and the SSU Alpha special unit, the Naval Forces and the army aviation of the Ground Forces Command, the Air Force aviation and our strong border guards. Thank you!" Volodymyr Zelenskyi said.

The President named the Ukrainian warriors, who had perished during the operation on liberating Zmiinyi Island.

"Defence Intelligence of Ukraine fighters – Ruslan Popov, Hero of Ukraine, Captain of the 1st rank; Oleh Zaitsev, Hero of Ukraine, Junior Lieutenant; Vitalii Ihnatenko, Hero of Ukraine, Soldier.

SSU Alpha fighters – Volodymyr Kyseliov, Hero of Ukraine, Captain; Oleksandr Krykunenko, Hero of Ukraine, Major.

Soldiers of the Navy - Ihor Bedzai, Hero of Ukraine, Colonel; Mykhailo Zaremba, Major; Serhii Muschytskyi, Captain; Yurii Pyroh, Staff Sergeant. "Eternal memory!" the President of Ukraine said.