HUR chief Budanov inspected Zmiinyi Island and the reclaimed “Boyko Towers” in the Black Sea, praising “Timur” fighters and vowing Ukraine will defeat an even stronger enemy.
Aug. 12, 2025
Intelligence Directorate (HUR), has visited Zmiinyi (Snake) Island and the offshore gas production platforms in the Black Sea – key sites reclaimed from Russian occupation during successful Ukrainian operations.
Budanov inspected the positions of the HUR’s elite “Timur” Special Unit defending the area, including the so-called “Boyko Towers” — strategic platforms now back under Ukraine’s lawful control. HUR announced Budanov’s visit on social media Tuesday, Aug. 12, without disclosing the date of the visit.
“Glory to the fighters of HUR and all Ukraine’s Security and Defence Forces! Our determined fight against the aggressor – at sea, on land, and in the sky – has shown the world that a united Ukrainian nation can defeat even a stronger enemy. Whatever anyone says, Ukraine’s future depends only on us. The fight goes on,” Budanov said in HUR Telegram post.
According to HUR, Budanov reviewed the forces and equipment securing the maritime zone, held a closed-door briefing with officers on further operational steps, and personally decorated “Timur” fighters for their professionalism and bravery in defending Ukraine at sea.
During the trip, Budanov and the servicemen also honored the memory of those who fell during the liberation of Zmiinyi Island and Ukraine’s territorial waters in the Black Sea.
Zmiiny Island in the Black Sea came to the world’s attention on the first day of the full-scale invasion when a Ukrainian border guard, Roman Hrybov, told the Russian missile cruiser Moskva threatening to bomb the island to “Go f**k yourself” (Not long after, the Moskva was sunk, whereas Hrybov, who was taken prisoner, was freed in a prisoner swap).
The inspection highlights Kyiv’s continued consolidation of control over strategic Black Sea assets and its readiness to defend them against renewed Russian aggression.
While Russia still holds Crimea, Ukraine has been clawing back its own “control” through a variety of means, including drone attacks and partisan activities.
The capture of Boyko Towers in autumn 2023 is a huge step in Ukraine’s counteroffensive and will help in the eventual recapture of Crimea, Ukrainian intelligence said.
“This development holds crucial importance for the security situation in the Black Sea region and for further strengthening Ukraine’s control over the temporarily occupied territories, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea,” Andriy Yusov, Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR) spokesman, told Kyiv Post in an exclusive interview.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/57995
“Next Stop – Crimea?”
Does this mean the bridge will go into the sea? I think that would have to be the first step in taking back the peninsula.
Im sticking to my theory that sour grapes will prevail and it will Orcish tnt that collapes that SOB.
Anything and anyone is welcome to drop that thing into the water.