Audio has emerged of a dramatic standoff between Russian forces attempting to capture Snake Island off the coast of Ukraine and those charged with defending it.
The Russian warship broadcasts to those on the island and tells them to surrender or they will be fired upon.
The defiant Ukrainians then broadcast back: "Go f**k yourself."
The Sydney Morning Herald's live blog on the unfolding crisis reports the State Border Service then lost communication with the guards and the island was captured.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported that the men defending the island died.
According to Pravda, he said they would be posthumously honoured with the title 'Hero of Ukraine'.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine earlier this week, despite repeated denials he was gearing up for war.
He said he intended to 'demilitarise' and 'de-Nazify' Ukraine.
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He called on Ukrainian soldiers to throw down their weapons and go home.
He also warned that any attempt to interfere by outside nations would lead to 'consequences greater than any of you have faced in history'.
"All relevant decisions have been taken. I hope you hear me," he added.
In the televised address, Putin also accused the US and its allies of failing to offer Moscow security guarantees and ignoring Russia's demands that Ukraine not join NATO - the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation - which boasts 30 member states across North America and Europe.
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Putin has been demanding that Kyiv renounce its bid to join NATO.
He also wants Ukraine to demilitarise Crimea and recognise Russia's sovereignty over the region.
Photos have started emerging from the conflict and footage has also shown Russian tanks at the disused Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
UPDATE 28/02 - The Ukrainian Navy has now confirmed that the soldiers defending Snake Island are still alive and have been taken prisoner by Russia. You can read more here.
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If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.
Topics: World News, Ukraine, News
