Ukraine releases footage of covert operations aimed at capturing gas platforms near Zmiinyi Island

The combat footage released by Ukraine shows commandos approaching the platforms by sea and engaging in firefights to secure these assets.

Oct 5, 2024 - 14:00

Ukraine releases footage of covert operations aimed at capturing gas platforms near Zmiinyi Island

A screenshot from the video, showing Ukrainian special forces attacking the gas extraction platforms. Photo via State Border Guard Service of Ukraine/Facebook.

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has declassified combat footage related to the capture of the gas extraction platforms near Zmiinyi (Snake) Island in the Black Sea.

By securing these gas extraction platforms, Ukraine enhances its ability to monitor Russian activities, protect its coastline, and potentially resume valuable gas extraction operations, which can aid its economic recovery in the future.

As reported by Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service on Facebook, combined special forces from the border guard service and Ukraine’s military intelligence agency have conducted combat operations in order to capture gas production platforms in the Black Sea.

The footage showcases how the operation was prepared by Ukrainian special forces. Furthermore, during the night, under the cover of darkness, the footage shows how Ukrainian special forces fire at the platforms from their vessels in the Black Sea.

Ukrainska Pravda reports that these events took place earlier this year, most likely during the summer.

Some of the facilities have been taken, and now serve as ”our sea fortresses,” the statement reads.

In addition, the capture of these platforms allows Ukraine to control a significant part of the water area and strengthen its defense in the Black Sea against Russian forces.

Earlier in September of this year, reports circulated noting that the capture of Zmiinyi Island by Ukrainian forces would give Ukraine a foothold in the Black Sea. In addition, it threw a lifeline to the economy as billions of dollars in grain exports resumed.

Russian Armed Forces thereafter were still in the possession of several gas rigs east of the island. Russian forces deployed equipment there to monitor Ukrainian forces and track missiles and drones that Kyiv uses to target the occupied Crimean peninsula.

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