Ukrainian interior ministry advisor explains importance of liberating Zmiinyi Island

He noted that Ukraine had defeated the entire Russian Black Sea Fleet in this part of the Black Sea with practically no losses of its own.

"Now the Russians can do nothing in the waters, except, unfortunately, shelling Ukrainian cities with Kalibr missiles from their ships," Denysenko said.

"But in terms of landing, they are incapable (of doing this) in this part of the sea."

The Pivden (South) Operational Command reported on June 30 that following a series of long-range Ukrainian strikes at Zmiinyi Island in the Black Sea, the Russian invasion garrison had left the island in two speedboats.

 Currently, Zmiinyi Island is still engulfed in fires and explosions.

Russia's Defense Ministry has confirmed that its troops had left the island, calling it a "gesture of good will," while not admitting that the invaders had been forced to take such a step due to strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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