Special operations forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine suffered a heavy loss during the night battle on February 29, when soldiers from the 73rd Special Operations Forces (SSO) maritime center gave their lives, remaining in the formation forever.
"Ensuring the departure of the main forces of the group after the completion of a special task, the soldiers accepted their last battle, forever remaining in the formation. The heroic and extremely difficult combat work of the SSO units on land, at sea and in the deep rear of the enemy is the daily contribution of SSO soldiers to the victory over the enemy," the message reads.
The message did not specify the number of dead soldiers, as well as the place of their death. A group of fighters died while trying to gain a foothold on the Tendriv spit in the northern part of the Black Sea, near the coast of the Kherson region.
Also, the 73rd Maritime Center of the SSO took part in the operation to liberate Zmiiny Island on July 7, 2022. With the help of special equipment, his fighters surveyed the coastal zone for the presence of anti-submarine and anti-landing mines.
After establishing a passage for the boats of the main group, they gave the signal to continue the operation. Engineers were the first to descend on the island, clearing the passage from mine barriers and traps for the rest of the group. After reaching the plateau of the island, the group performed several tasks: surveying the area, recording and collecting data on the enemy's equipment, weapons, and material and technical means of the enemy on Zmiino. The result of the operation was the restoration of Ukrainian control over an island that is key for shipping in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
