Russian Forces Withdraw from Kherson City, Signifying a Significant Reverse in their Positions
In a significant development, Russian forces have withdrawn from the city of Kherson, marking a significant retreat in their invasion of Ukraine. The announcement was made by the Russian Defense Ministry, although the reasons behind this decision remain unclear.
US President Joe Biden has hailed this move as 'evidence of the truth that they have some actual troubles with the Russian military.' He expressed hope that this could be a sign of Russia's willingness to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The withdrawal from Kherson, the only regional capital Russia had captured during its invasion, has left the city at the centre of a Ukrainian counter-offensive. Ukrainian forces are strengthening their positions 'step by step' in the south, preparing for a potential advance.
If successful, Ukrainian forces could potentially strike Russian logistics bases and positions on the east bank of the Dnipro with U.S.-supplied long-range weapons and HIMARS rocket launchers. This could significantly alter the strategic landscape of the conflict.
The withdrawal from Kherson has been met with mixed reactions. General Sergei Surovikin, in total command of the battle, reported to Support Minister Sergei Shoigu that it was no longer feasible to supply Kherson city. However, Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader, stated that General Surovikin made the right decision to save soldiers' lives by withdrawing from Kherson.
On the other hand, Ukrainian legislator David Arakhamia claims a military operation in the Kherson region is underway. He stated that the Russians will either leave Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Sevastopol (in Crimea) or be destroyed. This assertion was echoed by Arakhamia, who warned that Ukrainian forces might face many booby traps and intense Russian artillery barrages as they advance.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed caution about the situation in Kherson, warning not to underestimate Russia's capabilities. He urged Ukraine to proceed with caution and to ensure the protection of civilians during any military operations.
The Kherson region, one of four regions that President Vladimir Putin stated in September he was including into Russia 'for life', has seen tens of thousands of private citizens evacuated by Russian-installed officials. Photos show the Darivka bridge on the main highway east out of Kherson completely collapsed into the Inhulets River, a tributary of the Dnipro, further complicating any potential Russian resupply efforts.
As the situation in Kherson unfolds, the international community is closely watching the developments. President Biden has expressed his hope that Democrats and Republicans can continue the bipartisan strategy of facing Russia's aggression in Ukraine after the midterm elections.
The main bridge on the road out of Kherson city was exploded on Wednesday, further isolating the city. Moscow's number two authorities in Kherson, Kirill Stremousov, was killed in a car crash on Wednesday, adding to the chaos in the region.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the withdrawal from Kherson represents a significant turning point. The outcome of the military operations in the city and the surrounding region will have far-reaching implications for the future of the conflict.
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