Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commemorated 500 days of war with a video filmed on Snake Island in the Black Sea, promising that Ukraine would reclaim all parts of the territory still occupied by Russia.
In the video, Zelensky lays flowers on the island in honor of those who gave their lives defending Ukraine in the early days of the invasion.
“Snake Island. Free island of free Ukraine. I am grateful to everyone who fought here against the invaders. We honor the memory of the heroes who gave their lives in this battle, one of the most important in a full-scale war. Glory to all who are fighting for security in our Black Sea,” Zelensky wrote on Twitter.
Serpent’s Island was captured by Russian forces at the start of the invasion due to its strategic importance and allowed the Russian forces to start a blockade of the ports of Odessa.
Russian troops left the island at the end of June 2022.