War in Ukraine: Russia retreats from Kherson

The relevant order to withdraw the troops was given by the Minister of Defense of Russia, Sergei Shoigu

Η Russia withdraws its troops from Kherson, its strategically important city Ukrainian, and the only regional center he had captured since the invasion began in late February.

According to the Russian news agency Tass, the Russian military commander in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovykin, said it was no longer possible to maintain the city's supply.

The withdrawal means that Russian forces will completely withdraw from the area on the west bank of the Dnieper River.

"Begin the withdrawal of troops and take all measures to ensure the safe transport of personnel, weapons and equipment across the Dnieper River" were the characteristic words of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who assigned the task to General Surovikin. The latter was previously briefed by the head of the defense department in this area.

"We will save the lives of our soldiers and ensure the combat capability of our units. Keeping forces on the west bank (of the Dnieper River) is futile. Some of them can be used on other fronts," said Surovikin, while Shoigu, for his part, said he agreed with the Russian general.

A blow to Moscow

The withdrawal means that Russian forces will completely withdraw from the area on the west bank of the Dnieper River.

As international news agencies are quick to point out, the retreat is a major blow to Moscow, as Russian troops are facing a generalized Ukrainian counteroffensive.

"Under these conditions, the most logical option is to organize the defense along a barrier line along the Dnieper River," General Surovikin told a meeting of senior military leaders.

Ukrainian sources, however, are quick to point out that it is still too early to talk about a complete withdrawal of the Russians from Kherson as Russian forces remain in the wider region.

According to Mykhailo Podoliak, a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, it will make sense to talk about a Ukrainian retreat when the Ukrainian flag flies again in the city of Kherson.

The deputy commander is dead

It is worth noting that the announcement came shortly after Russian media reported that the deputy leader of Kherson, Kirill Stremusov, had been killed in a car accident.

He was seen as one of the main proponents of taking Kherson, having warned just six days ago that it was highly likely that Russian forces would have to cross over to the east bank.

The TASS news agency reported that the regional chief's press service confirmed his death, although the circumstances of his death remain unclear.

The NEXTA news network tweeted a video of Stremusov's final drive a minute before the crash.

in.gr