Russian forces have thwarted several attempts by Ukrainian troops in the past two days to recapture Zmiinyi (Snake) Island in the Black Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry has claimed in an update.
Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov says Ukraine has made "several desperate attempts" to land air and sea assaults on Zmiinyi Island.
He says more than 50 Ukrainian soldiers were killed during the attempts to consolidate on the island.
He claims Russia shot down four Ukrainian warplanes, including three Su-24 and one Su-27, three Mi-8 helicopters with paratroopers on board, and one Mi-24 helicopter, as well as carrying out attacks on navy vessels.
"The bodies of 24 dead Ukrainian servicemen were left on the shore of Zmiinyi Island," Konashenkov wrote on Telegram.
