Russia claims to have destroyed three Ukrainian speedboats near Snake Island

Russia says its forces shot down eight drones near Crimea and destroyed three Ukrainian speedboats near Snake Island.

"US-made Willard Sea Force military speedboats carrying Ukrainian servicemen were destroyed northeast of Snake Island in the Black Sea," the Russian Ministry of Defense announced on its Telegram account on the morning of September 10.

The Russian military also claimed to have shot down eight drones over the Black Sea, near the Crimean Peninsula. Russia did not report any casualties or damage from either incident.

Ukraine has not yet responded to this information.

Snake Island is located in the Black Sea and is currently controlled by Ukraine. Photo: AFP — Snake Island is located in the Black Sea and is currently controlled by Ukraine. Photo: *AFP*

The Ukrainian army purchased five Willard Sea Force speedboats from Willard Marine, a California-based company, in 2013 and received them in Odessa in 2015. The Sea Force boats come in various sizes and can carry groups of 6, 10, or 26 soldiers.

On August 22, the Russian military announced the destruction of a Willard Sea Force speedboat carrying a group of assault troops near Snake Island. Eight days later, the Russian military stated that naval air force fighters had destroyed four speedboats carrying Ukrainian special forces in the Black Sea, although the type of vessel was not specified.

Snake Island, also known as Zmiinyi Island, covers an area of approximately 17 hectares and is located about 35 km from the Ukrainian port of Odessa. Before the fighting, about 100 Ukrainian border guards were stationed on the island. Russia took control of the island a few days after the fighting broke out.

Despite lacking natural resources or permanent military bases, Snake Island plays a crucial role in controlling shipping lanes in the Black Sea. In June 2022, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the withdrawal of its forces from Snake Island after "completing their mission." Meanwhile, Ukraine claimed that missile and artillery attacks by its forces forced Russian troops to leave.

After Russia withdrew its garrison from the island, Ukraine regularly deployed small groups of soldiers there to maintain control.