(Reuters.) – A remote island in Ukraine that Russia occupied on the first day after its invasion became the focus of what many defense officials think could be a fight for the control of the Western Black Sea Coast.

The conflict has seen renewed fighting on Snake Island between the two countries. It gained worldwide attention in its first hour when Ukrainian border guards refused to surrender to a Russian warship.

One soldier said, “Russian warship. Go fuck yourself.”

Britain’s defense ministry issued a Wednesday update about the conflict, saying that fighting was continuing there and Russia “repeatedly trying” to reinforce its existing garrison.

The ministry stated that the Ukraine’s fight for the island near the border of Romania could make a difference in whether Russia will be able to build a base and assert its dominance over the region. It measures 0.17 km (0.06 miles).

Roman Hrybov, a border guard declared defiance against the Russian cruiser Moskva. This became a symbol across the globe of Ukraine’s resistance towards the incursion that Russia refers to as’special military operations’.

The image was used on T-shirts, stamps and posters all over the country.

Hrybov was initially reported to be dead. However, he and his guards were released in prisoner swap. On his release, he was awarded the Medal of Bravery for his bravery as the Moskva continued to sink.

Russia and Ukraine are now claiming different things about Snake Island’s situation, following the return to hostilities.

Oleksy Arestovych (Ukraine’s presidential advisor) said the island was a problem for Russia in a May 9 interview online. This refers to the Kherson airbase, which Ukrainian forces have claimed they repeatedly destroyed Russian equipment.

The Ukrainian military released video footage of a drone attack on a helicopter that was landing troops on an island. Reuters independently verified it.

In a briefing held on May 7, Russia’s defence minister spokeswoman Major General Igor Konashenkov stated that Russian forces had destroyed Ukrainian planes and helicopters. This means they have prevented any attempts to take over the territory.

The municipal head of Orakhiv posted a May 10, Facebook (NASDAQ:), post saying that Vasyl Ilchuk was killed in a “very difficult mission” on Snake Island.

Arestovych claimed that Russia’s tactical mistakes led to the fight for the island, and not a greater play for control over the Black Sea.

“It’s a major advantage for us,” he said. “…I am in support of the Russian army that holds Snake Island. They were hit and they were hit over and again.”