Putin beordrar styrkor att gå in i Ukraina - INVASION NU (2022-02-24)

Ukrainian Forces Take Heavy Losses in Failed Assault on Snake Island: Eight Manned Aircraft Downed

Following reports on May 8 that Ukrainian fighters had begun to launch strikes on Russian forces based on the strategically located Snake Island 50km off Ukraine's southern coast, the Russian Defence Ministry reported that a two day battle for control of the island had concluded and seen an assault ordered by Kiev successfully repelled. According to Russian sources, British and American military advisers were deeply involved in planning the operation, which was carried out with their “direct participation,” although the result of the failed attack were the deaths of over 50 Ukrainian personnel. With two of Ukraine’s remaining Su-27 fighters spearheading the assault, one was shot down alongside three Su-24 strike fighters, an Mi-24 attack helicopter and three Mi-8 transports loaded with assault troops. 29 drones, including eight Bayraktar TB-2 attack platform, were also shot down. An attempted night landing on May 8 also saw three Centaur Class attack boats sunk. Ukrainian drones were reported by government sources in Kiev to have been successful in destroying a Russian Tor air defence system and three Russian boats, while a Su-27 fighter was able to drop some unguided bombs.