Russia abandons strategic Snake Island, the early symbol of Ukrainian defiance

Russian troops have left their positions on a captured Ukrainian island, defense officials said Thursday, a major setback to Moscow's invasion that weakens its blockade of Ukraine's ports.

The news from the Black Sea came as NATO leaders met for a second day in Madrid, intent on demonstrating their unity and determination to back up Kyiv with advances weapons in the face of Moscow's assault.

Snake Island became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance in the first days of the war, when the rocky outcrop's defenders told a Russian warship that called on them to surrender to "go f**k yourself," an incident that spurred a defiant meme.