Ukrainians on Black Sea island killed after telling Russian warship to 'go fuck yourself'

Thirteen Ukrainian soldiers based on Snake Island in the Black Sea were killed by a Russian warship on Friday, after defiantly telling the Russian vessel "go fuck yourself".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the men as "heroes of Ukraine" after the strategically important island was captured by the Russians.

“All the defenders of Snake Island died, but they did not surrender,” he said, in a video posted on Telegram.

Audio emerged online of the last moments on the island, which became an important outpost following Russia annexation of Crimea in 2014, revealing a last act of defiance from the soldiers.

“I am a Russian warship. I suggest you lay down your arms and surrender to avoid bloodshed and unnecessary victims, or you will be bombed,” the Russian warship said.

“So that’s it... Should I tell them to fuck themselves?” a male Ukrainian soldier is heard saying.

“Well, just in case,” replies a female Ukrainian soldier.

“Warship, go fuck yourself.”