Russia withdraws from Kherson, the first city under its control since the invasion began
The Russian flag has ceased to fly over the administrative building in Kherson on Thursday. Eight months later, the Russian army has apparently begun to withdraw from the first city to fall into its hands since the beginning of the invasion, the only oblast capital under its control to date. Moscow's troops have abandoned the western side of the Dnieper River in the face of the Ukrainian counter-offensive, but not before applying their usual scorched-earth tactics.
Kirill Stremousov, the deputy civil administrator of Kherson, had announced hours earlier that Russian troops were likely to retreat "to the eastern bank of the region", but did not elaborate. Images and videos posted on social media confirmed the withdrawal. By Thursday evening, there was barely a trace of Russian officers in the centre of the town, which lies west of the Dnieper.
Russian propagandist Alex Cots confirms that Russian flag is down from the main administrative building in Kherson while it still flies at the opposite building.
— (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) November 3, 2022
Very weird but definitely not a sign of confidence. #Ukraine #Kherson pic.twitter.com/PfbmCNB8Zo
Kherson was one of four Ukrainian provinces annexed by Russia after the illegal referendums, considered a sham by the international community. Russian President Vladimir Putin staged the accession of the four regions during a ceremony at the Kremlin Palace in the company of the four puppet leaders, appointed and controlled by Moscow. A month later, Russia withdraws.
Russian General Sergey Surovikin, who has been in charge of the "special military operation" since October, said in his first interview with state broadcaster Rossiya 24 that Moscow "must make difficult decisions". "The situation in Kherson is not easy," acknowledged Surovikin, nicknamed 'the Butcher of Syria' and praised by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. He opened the door to a possible withdrawal.
Ukrainian officials, however, are cautious. Kiev forces not only saw no indication that Russian troops might withdraw, but quite the opposite, that they could be reinforced. They are not confident of a full withdrawal, as Ukrainian Southern Command spokeswoman Natalia Humeniuk said that Russia's unusual manoeuvres in Kherson could be a trap to lure Ukrainian forces.
Something up in Kherson. ?? Russian flag’s come down from admin building, tho Kremlin propagandists say flags still fly over other buildings. Video shared in closed Telegram group appears to show Kherson residents on a bus cheering as they pass an abandoned Russian checkpoint. pic.twitter.com/WgMvxJN7PE
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) November 3, 2022
"Russian forces appear to have withdrawn from some parts, but they have also been reinforced with mobilised personnel. The fighting there is difficult. Despite limited supply, Russian forces do not appear to have run out of ammunition," writes analyst Michael Kofman on the social networking site Twitter. "The situation in Kherson is as clear as mud".
The sides are preparing for a tough battle to take Kherson, perhaps the most important since the invasion began. The enclave is strategic for the Kremlin, as it is the last checkpoint on the western side of the Dnieper to stop the Ukrainian army's counteroffensive. It also serves as a land bridge to the Crimean peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014.
