How elite Ukrainian soldiers rescued 15 cats from Snake Island

A historic island in the Black Sea…Image: How to

A small island in the Black Sea became world-famous after the Russian invasion, thanks to the help of brave Ukrainian defenders. Now there’s another crazy story to report.

Daniel Schulte

While Russia terrorizes Ukrainian civilians night after night with bombing raids and Putin's soldiers commit the worst war crimes, the citizens of the invaded country prove their humanity.

this Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service (HUR) Recently I learned about an extraordinary mission on his Telegram channel. Accordingly, elite soldiers evacuated 15 fur balls from Snake Island.

It is understood that as winter approaches, the severe cold makes it difficult for many cats on the island to survive. To ensure their safety, the animals were carefully transferred to one of the largest animal shelters in Ukraine.

During the rescue operation in Als Snake Island become world famous zmini island According to Watson, civilians and a software company were involved. You can learn her story here.

How is the surgery going?

This is what Snake Island in Ukraine looked like a few years before the Russian war of aggression.

This is what Snake Island looked like a few years before the Russian war of aggression.Image: Wikimedia CC BY-SA 4.0

In Greek mythology, it was once considered the “Fortunate Island”, but now Snake Island has become a military restricted area. She became famous around the world at the beginning of the Russian invasion in spring 2022.

At that time, the Ukrainian defenders stationed there refused to surrender to the superior enemy forces. Your provocative radio message “Russian warships, go to hell!” 》 Become a legend.

With a diameter of 600 meters and a coastline of 4 kilometers, this small Black Sea island has great symbolic value. It represents Ukraine’s unwavering will to defend itself. Now it has a gripping story.

Ukraine's Military Intelligence Service (HUR) wrote on Telegram that elite soldiers on patrol decided to evacuate the cats on the island.

This animal rescue operation is “Operation Guide” Call. The people in charge posted various photos on their Telegram channel documenting the removal of the animals.

Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service HUR evacuates cats from Snake Island (November 2024).
Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service HUR evacuates cats from Snake Island (November 2024).

Image: HOW/Telegram

Not all four-legged friends are enthusiastic at first…

Cats evacuated from Snake Island

Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service HUR evacuates cats from Snake Island (November 2024).

Image: HOW/Watson

The special forces unit that conducts cat rescues on Snake Island is named after its commander, with the call sign Tymur. She has completed numerous special operations behind enemy lines, including in the occupied Crimean Peninsula.

The head of Ukraine's military intelligence service agreed to the cats' evacuation. He himself is also considered an animal lover (More on this below).

What makes this event so special?

Coming Mike Po Foundation Enter the game. This is a non-profit organization From Ukrainian software company MacPaw established become. The stated goal of those involved is to use a portion of the company's revenue and private donations to save as many lives as possible.

The McPo Foundation supports the cat’s evacuation with logistics and on-site assistance. this Anna Manukhina, head of the charity foundation, Participate personally in rescue operations.

Anna Manukhina, MacPaw, Ukrainian software company

Anna Manukina.Image: Mike Bo

company spokesperson Oleksandra Litvinenko, A public relations expert in charge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) talks about a successful campaign.

“In addition to saving animals, it demonstrates the value of solidarity and the belief that every life matters. These actions create a domino effect: they inspire others to take action and reinforce the message that even in the darkest of times Period, humanity will also win. The campaign draws attention and raises awareness of the plight of animals in conflict zones.”

Where are the evacuated animals taken?

at one of the largest animal shelters in the country.

“This operation not only saved lives, but also gave renewed hope to those who work tirelessly to protect endangered animals.”

Oleksandra Litvinenko

A McPo spokesman noted efforts to address animal welfare and humanitarian needs amid Russian aggression.

“We have continued to support animal shelters across Ukraine over the years, including the Sirius Animal Shelter, which was damaged during the Russian occupation.”

Oleksandra Litvinenko, MacPaw

Oleksandra Litvinenko.Image: Mike Bo

In April 2022, after the liberation of the Kiev region, volunteers from the foundation first provided food and all necessary animal care supplies to the Sirius Animal Shelter.

“Sirius Animal Shelter, the largest animal shelter in Ukraine, faced tremendous difficulties during the Russian occupation. More than 3,000 animals and shelter staff were cut off from food, water and communications for more than a month.

Russian intruders attacked Ukrainian people's mobile phones.

Russian invaders blew up civilians’ cellphones.Image source: MacPaw Foundation

All necessary measures were subsequently taken to improve the situation together with the Ukrainian private aid organization “Back Alive”.

Anna Manushina recalled:

“The staff at the animal shelter were very scared because they didn't know who was coming. The next day we also brought food to the animals, but this time we also brought mobile phones, food and medicine for the shelter staff .

Despite some difficulties, such as destroyed bridges and unexploded mines, our team was the first to reach the shelter. We also provided mobile phones and food to employees who were locked in the boiler room by the occupiers. “

Ukraine Sirius Animal Shelter

Image credit: Watson/MacPaw Foundation

Why does software company MacPaw rely on “non-lethal help”?

The Mackbo Foundation's website says the organization provides “specialized non-lethal assistance” during wartime. When asked why, a spokesperson explained that as an IT company's charitable foundation, we work “within clear legal and ethical boundaries.” This prevents them from using donations to purchase weapons.

“Our mission is to focus on humanitarian assistance and building resilience [Widerstandskraft] Concentrate. This includes providing critical technical support to help save the lives of Ukrainian defenders and affected civilians. “

Among others, medical assistance such as Starlink receivers (satellite internet), EcoFlow devices (generators), laptops and tablets, and tourniquets and evacuation vehicles are also provided.

“This approach ensures we help save lives and empower defenders and communities without contributing to weapons proliferation.”

Oleksandra Litvinenko

When asked, a MacPaw spokesperson explained that donations from Switzerland were also very welcome. This can be done directly through the Foundation website. Additionally, the hope is that stories like rescue cats will have a positive impact on social media platforms. This way you can encourage others to get involved.

Since February 2022, the MacPaw Foundation has provided more than $10 million in non-lethal assistance to support defenders, displaced and vulnerable populations in Ukraine.

“Our focus on technical assistance, medical care and animal welfare reflects a holistic approach to helping Ukraine survive and rebuild during and after widespread Russian aggression.”

Since its inception in 2018, the IT company has been supporting social initiatives and projects using the hashtag #MacPawCares. Anyone interested in the details can find what they are looking for online.

Students start software company

Ukrainian software company MacPaw was founded in 2008 by then-students Alexander Kosovan established. The company currently has more than 500 employees in more than 30 countries. One of the most well-known products is the “CleanMyMac” utility developed for Apple computers. Applications from this innovative IT company are now running on every fifth Mac in the world.

What does Secret Service Director Budanov have to do with cat rescue?

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's Military Intelligence Service (HUR), is considered a great animal lover and a living legend in his home country. He has survived several Russian attacks. His pets include a canary, two cats (Günter and Zmiy) and a frog named Petro, who lives in the aquarium in the former elite soldier's office.

It is worth mentioning: since 2016, the owl has been the symbol of the Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR. Meanwhile, the bat – the prey of the owl – is the symbol of the Russian special forces GRU Spetsnaz.

Coat of arms of the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service HUR.

Image: Wikipedia

The Latin motto of Ukrainian military intelligence is “Sapiens Dominabitur Astris” (“The wise will rule the stars”), which also alludes to the motto of enemy Russian special forces (“Only the stars are above us”).

During a military operation in the Kharkiv region this year, soldiers of the 92nd Commando Brigade (OShBr) discovered hungry owls in cages in a destroyed house. The birds were rescued and placed in the care of intelligence chiefs. HUR boss Budanov decided that the animals should find a new home at the Kiev Zoo.

source

If the United Nations reimposes strict sanctions, the Iranian government may react by withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravantsky raised the issue during a meeting with representatives of Germany, France and Britain in Geneva on Friday, the Isna news agency reported. She quoted Ibrahim Resay, spokesman for the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee.