Fallen Ukrainian Guards' Last Words: 'Russian Warship, Go F*ck Yourself'
Less than 24 hours since Russia launched a full-blown invasion of Ukraine, almost 150 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have become casualties of the conflict. War reportage has focused on the Donbas region and Kyiv, where Russia has been focusing its missile strikes, but to the south in the Black Sea, the small Ukrainian territory of Snake Island was captured by the Russian Armed Forces. Only 13 Ukrainian border guards were stationed at the island to protect the territory and its civilians. All died during the one-day Battle of Snake Island on February 24, the first day of Russia’s Ukrainian invasion.
A recording of the 13 soldiers’ last words was unearthed. In response to Russia’s order to surrender the island or else face an attack, the Ukrainians on Snake Island stood their ground using strong—and colorful—words.
Here’s a brief translation of what was said:
Russians: “This is a Russian warship. I suggest you surrender your weapons and capitulate. Otherwise, I’ll open fire. Do you copy?”
Ukrainians: “This is it... Should I tell him to go fuck himself?… Just in case.”
Ukrainians: “Russian warship, go fuck yourself.”
The brief conversation was recorded here:
The Ukraine State Border Guard confirmed what is now being called “The Battle of Snake Island.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the 13 soldiers heroes.
"On our Zmiinyi Island (official name), defending it to the last, all the border guards died heroically," said Zelensky. "But [they] did not give up."
The border guards will be posthumously awarded the title “Hero of Ukraine.”
"May the memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine live forever,” said president Zelensky.
