Ukrainian troops say they have pushed Russian troops out of Snake Island, a strategic Black Sea land off the south coast near the city of Odesa.
Ukraine's reported recapture of the island undermines future land attacks that the Russians may have planned on its coastline.
The Russian Defense Ministry said it had tactically withdrawn to complete its assigned mission and allow grain exports from Ukraine's Black Sea port.
"The Russian Federation has decided to leave its position on Jijima to organize a humanitarian grain corridor as part of the implementation of a joint agreement achieved with the participation of the United Nations," the Pentagon said. Said.
Ukraine said it had fled Russian troops overnight on two speedboats. A statement by Ukrainian Southern Command said the explosion was still audible and the island was covered in smoke, indicating that the fighting was ongoing.
Snake Island became famous when it was first captured by the Russians in February. Ukrainian soldiers stationed on the island told the attacking Russian warship"Let's do it ourselves". It has become one of the most popular Ukrainian resistance slogans since the invasion.
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