Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu has given the order to withdraw occupying forces from the right bank of Dnipro River in Kherson region, as reported by Russian media.
Ukrainian media, too, report withdrawal of Russian forces from Kherson.
BREAKING!!!Russia leaves Kherson.Absolute Ukrainian triumph.
— Illia Ponomarenko ?? (@IAPonomarenko) November 9, 2022
According to reports, the commander of Russian forces in Ukraine Sergei Surovikin proposed creating a defence line on the left bank of Dnipro River.
«The decision regarding the organisation of defence along the left bank of Dnipro River is not easy, but at the same time it will let us preserve our troops’ lives and combat capabilities,» said Surovikin. «Forces will perform the manoeuvre soon. Units will take position on the left bank of Dnipro River.»
Russian Minister of Defense gave orders to proceed with the withdrawal of troops from the right bank and Kherson. pic.twitter.com/4A5SW3eSlg
— Special Kherson Cat ??? (@bayraktar_1love) November 9, 2022
Shoigu agreed with Surovikin’s proposal and ordered the withdrawal of forces.
Foreign policy expert Tomass Pildegovičs, however, warns against losing vigilance towards the possibility of potential diversions from Russia.
Previously there were reports of Russian occupying forces forcing residents from their homes and taking dwellings for themselves. Kherson residents reported Russian troops resting in apartments, which led many to believe Russia was preparing for intensive city battles.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously said Russia is only pretending to pull forces from Kherson in order to lure Ukraine’s army into city battles.
He also called attempts to convince civilians to move deeper into Russian-controlled territories a theatrical attempt.
For weeks the Russian-appointed occupational administration has invited civilians to leave the city, which is located on the right bank of Dnipro River, and the supply line to which has been cut off by Ukrainian forces.
Russian state media reported on Wednesday, 9 November, that vice-chairman of the Kherson administration appointed by occupational forces Kiril Stremousov died. The head of the local administration Vladimir Saldo confirmed his death.
Multiple Russian media reported that Stremousov died in a road accident. No details about the accident are available at this time.
Last week Stremousov reported that Russian forces may soon leave the city of Kherson. After that he clarified that his original report was intended to motivate people to evacuate.