The Ukrainian Navy has said that 13 border guards guarding Zmiinyi Island (also known as Snake Island) are alive and have been captured by Russian forces.
The men were initially reported dead last week, but Ukrainian authorities say they have been "captured by Russian occupiers". "We are very happy to learn that our brothers are alive and well," the Ukrainian Navy said on its official Facebook page.
On Friday, Ukrainian officials reported that all troops stationed on the Black Sea island of Zmiinyi had been killed. They were heard rejecting Russian demands to surrender, which sparked international attention.
Viral audios reported that border guards were told by Moscow forces to "surrender their weapons and surrender to avoid bloodshed and unnecessary casualties" or "be bombed."
The Ukrainian soldiers were then heard talking to each other, before responding with "go drink".
Following reports of his death, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy named each of the guards "Hero of Ukraine." Officials demand their immediate release.
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