Ukrainian flag arrives in Snake Island after Russian retreat

Ukraine officials clarify initial confusion as to whether the flag has been raised, saying it is there but will be hoisted only once troops arrive

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Ukrainian forces are set to raise the country's flag on Snake Island, a strategic and symbolic outpost in the Black Sea that Russian troops retreated from last week after months of heavy bombardment.

The military operation has been concluded, and ... the territory, Snake Island, has been returned to the jurisdiction of Ukraine," Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesperson for Ukraine's southern military command, told reporters.

This article and its headline were amended on Tuesday 5 July 2022 to take in the update of when the flag would be raised on Snake Island.