Audio has emerged of a Ukrainian soldier allegedly telling an invading Russian warship to "go f**k yourself" during a heroic final stand - likely his last words before he and a dozen others were gunned down.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched what he termed a 'special military operation' in Ukraine on Thursday (NZT) - a bloody invasion that has already wrought major destruction and deaths across the eastern European nation.
Shortly after war broke out, Ukrainian state border guards announced Snake Island - a strategically important outpost in the Black Sea - had come under attack from Russian ships.
Just 13 guards were on the island at the time and apparent audio of their final encounter with Russian troops has since come to light, showing their refusal to surrender.
"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," a troop on the Russian warship tells the Ukrainian soldiers in audio being shared online.
The Ukrainian soldier's curt response: "Russian warship, go f**k yourself."
Later in the day, the State Border Guard Service announced Russian forces had captured Snake Island following a naval and air bombardment that had decimated all infrastructure on the island.
All 13 Ukrainian border guards were killed in the conflict.
"On our Snake Island, defending it to the last, all the border guards died heroically. But they did not give in," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky revealed they will each posthumously be awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine - the highest title a Ukrainian citizen can receive.
"Eternal memory to those who gave their lives for Ukraine."
