Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered the withdrawal of troops stationed in the city of Kherson, on the western bank of the Dnieper River, in Ukraine.
“Start the withdrawal of troops and take all measures that guarantee a safe crossing of personnel, weapons and equipment,” ordered the official, quoted by the Russian news agency TASS.
The Russian general in charge of the troops in Ukraine, Sergei Surovikin, is said to have recommended organizing a “defense line along the eastern bank of the river” after this “difficult decision”.
Surovikin admitted that it is no longer possible to hold the city in the face of the Ukrainian counter-offensive, which has been going on for several weeks. Given the arguments presented, the Russian minister agreed and pointed out that “the life and health of Russian soldiers is always the priority.”
Quoted by Reuters, one of the Ukrainian president’s advisers says it is too early to talk about a Russian withdrawal.
“Until the Ukrainian flag flies in Kherson, there is no point” in talking about such a move, Mykhailo Podolyak said, adding that some of the Russian commanders are sending more troops.
Source: TSF
