Kyiv Wary of Potential , Russian Retreat, from Southern Ukraine.
On November 3, a Russian-installed occupation
official said that troops were likely to be pulled
from the western bank of the Dnipro River.
Reuters reports that the announcement
signals a huge retreat and potentially
a major turning point in the war.
Despite the announcement, fighting continues in
the area and Ukrainian officials have suggested
that Moscow is laying a trap by feigning a retreat.
Despite the announcement, fighting continues in
the area and Ukrainian officials have suggested
that Moscow is laying a trap by feigning a retreat.
This could be a manifestation of
a particular provocation, in order to create
the impression that the settlements are
abandoned, that it is safe to enter them,
while they are preparing for street battles, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for Ukraine's
southern military command, via Reuters.
We continue fighting, also in the Kherson
direction, despite the fact that the enemy
is trying to convince us that they are
leaving the settlements and creating
the effect of a total evacuation, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for Ukraine's
southern military command, via Reuters.
We continue fighting, also in the Kherson
direction, despite the fact that the enemy
is trying to convince us that they are
leaving the settlements and creating
the effect of a total evacuation, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for Ukraine's
southern military command, via Reuters.
The area includes Kherson city, which is
the only major city Russia has captured intact
since the invasion began in February.
The area also includes a massive dam
that controls the water supply
to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
Last week, Reuters reported that Ukrainian
troops on the front line say they have seen
no evidence of a Russian withdrawal. .
According to Michael Kofman, a U.S. expert
on the Russian military, Russia's intentions
in the region remain unclear.
Reuters reports that Kofman said he doubts
that Moscow would abandon the region
"without being forcibly pressed out."
