The Ukrainian soldier who was serving on Snake Island firstly of Russia's invasion and informed a Russian warship to "go f*** your self" has returned residence and been given a medal for his service.

Roman Gribov was one in every of a number of troopers initially reported to be useless from ensuing assaults on the island, however it was later found that he and different troopers from the island had been captured. They have been later a part of the primary alternate of captured troopers between Ukraine and Russia, in response to the Ukrainian Parliament.

Gribov was returned to his residence area of Cherkasy and given a medal for his service on Tuesday, in response to The Odessa Journal.

Early within the invasion, a video surfaced that contained audio of a Russian ship telling the troopers, together with Gribov, to give up earlier than they have been attacked, however it was met with the now-famous phrase. The video gained worldwide consideration, and the preliminary stories have been that the 13 troopers on the island have been killed when it was attacked.

Russian Warship Snake Island Ukraine
The Ukrainian soldier who was serving on Snake Island firstly of Russia's invasion and informed a Russian warship to "go f*** your self" has returned residence and been given a medal for his service. Above, Roman Gribov (proper) receives his medal from Cherkasy Governor Igor Taburets on March 29, 2022.Ukraine Protection Ministry

Days later, nonetheless, Ukrainian authorities reported that contact had been made with the boys who have been in Russian captivity, and stated that they have been presumed useless as a result of the Russian assault destroyed the communication infrastructure of the island.

"Relating to the Marines and border guards who have been taken captive by Russian occupiers on the island of Snake, we're very comfortable to be taught that our brothers are alive and effectively with them!" the Ukrainian Naval Power stated in a Fb put up late final month, commending the boys who "bravely rebuked" the Russians twice.

Final week, 19 Ukrainian troopers, together with the 13 from Snake Island, have been exchanged for 11 Russian troopers within the first swap of prisoners of warfare within the battle. The Ukrainian Parliament stated that the 11 Russian troopers had been rescued by Ukrainian forces from a sinking ship.

Gribov returned to his residence area on Tuesday and was honored with a medal for his "benefit to Cherkasy," the Journal reported.

A YouTube video posted by the Cherkasy regional state administration reveals him receiving the award from Cherkasy Governor Igor Taburets as the 2 communicate.

"I need to say an enormous thanks to the Ukrainian individuals for his or her assist. We really feel it very a lot, it evokes us. We now have energy, we've fact, collectively, we are going to win. Glory to Ukraine!" Gribov stated, in response to the Journal.

The Ukrainian Protection Ministry additionally posted an image of Gribov receiving the award together with the phrase "Glory to the Hero!"

Representatives from Ukraine and Russia started conferences in Turkey on Tuesday to debate phrases of a possible settlement to finish the warfare that has killed hundreds of troops and civilians and compelled hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians to flee their properties.

Replace 3/29/22, 4:25 p.m. ET: This story has been up to date with extra data.