Ukrainian soldiers who profanely told off Russian warship may be alive, officials say

Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova
Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova speaks during a news conference at the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 24.

Patrick Semansky / Patrick Semansky

A group of Ukrainian soldiers stationed on an island military outpost who were presumed dead after a terse yet profane interaction with a Russian warship last week may still be alive, Ukrainian officials announced Sunday.

The Ukrainian troops on Zmiiniy Island – also known as Snake Island – may instead have been captured by Russian military forces, according to a statement from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

“We sincerely hope that the boys will return home as soon as possible, and the information received at the time of the attack on the death will not be confirmed,” the statement reads.