According to a Facebook post by Ukrainian government officials, a Ukrainian marine blew himself up in order to thwart Russian forces’ assault on the Crimean Peninsula on Friday.
The incident occurs just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian soldier 'blows himself up to destroy bridge' to stop forces storming in from Crimea. (Source: The Sun) #Ukraine #UkraineRussia #PrayingForUkraine pic.twitter.com/BXWuCY3Rmx
— whossiry (@whossiry) February 25, 2022
According to the site, Vitaly Skakun Volodymyrovych’s unit concluded that the only option to stop Russian forces was to destroy a bridge connecting the Crimean Peninsula to the Ukrainian mainland. Volodymyrovych volunteered to plant the explosives, but he is said to have remained in the area after the charges were set off. He died as a result of the blast.
“Vitaly got in touch with his brothers in arms and told them he was going to blow up the bridge,” his brothers in arms alleged. “An explosion sounded out immediately after,” the Facebook post stated.
The message ended with a tribute to Volodymyrovych’s bravery and a strong warning to the Russians. “Know this, Russian invaders: the soil will burn beneath your feet!” We’ll battle until the end of time! And we will fight as long as we are alive! “
Officials have stated that Volodymyrovych will get posthumous military honors.
