Russia ordered troops to withdraw from critical Ukrainian city, reports say

Russia’s defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, announced he was ordering Moscow’s forces to retreat from Ukraine’s strategically important Kherson City on Wednesday, The New York Times reviews. The transfer could possibly be a setback in President Vladimir Putin’s war campaign, however Ukrainian officials are skeptical of the announcement.

Shoigu instructed the retreat during a televised meeting with top Russian military officials. Commander of the Russian troops in Ukraine, Gen. Sergei Surovokin, acknowledged that the choice wasn’t simple. Nonetheless, withdrawing would “preserve lives of servicemen and combat readiness of forces.” Surovokin cited Ukraine’s continuous shelling, potential flooding, and the tough process of sustaining crossing points as the explanations he recommended the pullout.

“Under these conditions, the city of Kherson and nearby settlements cannot be supplied in a fully-fledged manner,” Surovokin explained. “After a thorough assessment of the current situation, I offer to take up defense along the left bank of the Dnipro River.”

Shoigu replied, “Go ahead with the pullout of troops and take all measures to ensure safe transfer of troops, weapons and equipment to the other bank of the Dnipro River.”

Ukrainian officials fear the announcement may be a farce to lure them into urban combat. They continue to be suspicious of the Russian military’s intent to withdraw from the city and their surrounding stronghold on the river’s west bank, per the Times. Nonetheless, Colonel Roman Kostenko, chair of the defense and intelligence committee in Ukraine’s Parliament, stated there have been indicators that Russia has begun to retreat.

He added, “They blew up bridges that would have allowed our forces to advance. We see them leaving population centers, but in some, they leave soldiers behind to cover their movements.”