Based on reports, an audio recording of an exchange between Ukrainian border guards on Snake Island, and a Russian warship was obtained as well as published online by a Ukrainian news outlet earlier today (Feb 25th).
According to a translation by CNN, the recording was this:
Russian officer: "This is a military warship. This is a Russian military warship. I suggest you lay down your weapons and surrender to avoid bloodshed and needless casualties. Otherwise, you will be bombed."
Ukrainian border guard: "Russian warship, go f*ck yourself."
A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack.
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) February 25, 2022
Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself."
They held their ground. All 13 were killed. pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0
There were 13 guards on the island, and all 13 were killed, according to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
From clips, it sounded like the guards knew what they were doing, and were discussing what to say as the warship approached them, before relaying their message.
The president also noted that the 13 soldiers would be granted posthumous honors for their heroic deaths, not giving up, and refusing to surrender.
