[Mick]

Snake Island to me is a puzzle. Why Russia wants it is a total mystery. It just seems to get Russians killed. It is almost like it is on a list somewhere and nobody dares question the list.

I think it has symbolic value. It's Ukraine's last possession in the Crimean Sea, right?  Maybe that's why they want those patrol boats.  Avoid mines, attack Russian assets in Crimea, perhaps?  And by having Snake Island, they have territorial waters 12 miles in all directions, yes?  Protects some shipping lanes?

[Mick]

Snake Island to me is a puzzle. Why Russia wants it is a total mystery. It just seems to get Russians killed. It is almost like it is on a list somewhere and nobody dares question the list.

I think it has symbolic value. It's Ukraine's last possession in the Crimean Sea, right?  Maybe that's why they want those patrol boats.  Avoid mines, attack Russian assets in Crimea, perhaps?  And by having Snake Island, they have territorial waters 12 miles in all directions, yes?  Protects some shipping lanes?