SNAKE Island was seized by Russia just days after Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine in 2022.
However, Ukrainian forces were able to take the land back a few months later after Russia withdrew its men.
Where is Snake Island?
Snake Island, also known as Serpent Island or Zmiinyi Island, belongs to Ukraine.
It is located in the Black Sea, near the Danube Delta, just 30 miles from the coast.
The 46 acres of land are typically covered with rocks and grass, but following Russia's invasion of the island, it was left "covered in fire," according to The New York Times.
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Everything to know about Ukraine’s Snake Island
Prior to the invasion, it was known for its igneous rock formations and was home to an Odessa National University research facility, which students and scientists used to study flora, fauna, meteorology, geology, hydrobiology, and atmospheric chemistry, according to Ukraine.com.
It was also home to a popular lighthouse, which was built by the Russian Empire's Black Sea Fleet in the fall of 1842.
At this time, it is unclear if Ukraine will restore the island.
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Why did Russia withdraw its forces from Snake Island?
It was announced on June 30, 2022, that Russia would be withdrawing its forces from Snake Island.
The decision came over four months after the country took control of the land.
Russian military spokesman, Lt. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said the decision was a "goodwill gesture" to show that Russia is not interfering with the United Nation's attempts to find space for Ukraine so they can export agricultural products, according to USA Today.
Why is it called Snake Island?
Prior to being known as Snake Island, the land was named "White Island" by the Greeks.
The writings of Greek poet Arctinus of Miletus insinuate that the remains of Achilles and Patroclus were brought to the island by the sea nymph Thetis, and ancient inscriptions eventually led to the Greeks renaming the island Fidonisi, which stands for Snake Island, during the Ottoman Empire, according to Ukraine.com.
The Soviets claimed the land in 1948, but following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, ownership was granted to Ukraine by the Court of Justice in February 2009.
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