at telegramThe Ukrainian president welcomed developments on the ground. “Although the city is not yet completely free from the presence of the enemy, the people of Kherson have already removed the Russian symbols from the streets and buildings and any traces of the invaders.”
Volodymyr Zelensky clarified that the Ukrainian army is “effectively on the outskirts of the city”, but many “special units are already inside”.
The Ukrainian president also praised the courage of the residents of the city of Kherson, which has been under Russian occupation since mid-March.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced the entry into the city of Kherson early in the morning. “Kherzon returned to Ukrainian control. Units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces entered the city”.The ministry announced through Facebook.
Ukrainian officials are urging Russian soldiers to surrender “immediately” and have pledged to protect the “lives and safety” of those who do so.
Videos and pictures of residents receiving Ukrainian troops on the streets at a party in central Kherson are being shared on social media.
Russian forces were withdrawn within two months of the annexation announced by Vladimir Putin. In September, the Russian president officially announced the annexation of the Kherson region and three other Ukrainian provinces.
According to Moscow, nearly 90 percent of the population voted in favor of annexing Kherson to the Russian Federation.
However, Russia insists that the defection is not a setback to the Kremlin’s plans and considers the entire Kherson region an integral part of its territory.
Dam near Kherson with new damage
Recent Maxar satellite images show significant new damage to the Nova Khakovka dam in southern Ukraine shortly after Russia withdrew.
“Satellite imagery this morning…reveals significant new damage to several bridges and the Nova Khakovka Dam following Russia’s withdrawal from Kherson along the Dnipro River”Maxar said in a statement cited by Reuters.
Adds that too Parts of the dam’s northern extension and sluices were “deliberately destroyed”. Earlier this week, Russia accused Ukraine of bombing a dam that was critical to Crimea’s water and electricity supply.
For the rest, Kiev and Moscow have exchanged accusations of shelling the dam, threatening to flood much of the surrounding area.
“Hardcore explorer. Extreme communicator. Professional writer. General music practitioner. Prone to fits of apathy.”