The Ukrainian sailors guarding the Snake Island border who told a Russian warship to “go f**k yourself” are alive, the navy has confirmed, according to multiple media outlets.
Last week, it was reported that the 13 border guards had died after refusing to surrender Snake Island when they were confronted by Russian air and sea forces last Thursday.
However, it has now been confirmed by the Ukrainian navy, that the border guards are still alive and were in fact taken prisoner by Russia. The news is being celebrated on social media.
In a post on Facebook confirming the news, the Ukrainian navy said it was “very happy to learn that our brothers are alive and well with them”. The post went on to praise the sailors for “bravely” in twice rebuking “attacks of the Russian invaders.”
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The State Border Guard Service also posted a statement on Facebook saying they had a “strong belief” that the border guards were still alive.
BREAKING:
It’s official – 🇺🇦 Snake Island sailors are alive, Navy confirms.
They were taken prisoner by Russia.
— Illia Ponomarenko (@IAPonomarenko) February 28, 2022
The guards had received widespread admiration for their bravery and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would be awarding all of the sailors the Hero of Ukraine award.
