Ukraine war: Russia orders troops to withdraw from Kherson

Moscow/Kiev: Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered troops to withdraw from the western bank of Ukraine's Dnipro River, meaning that the forces were retreating from Kherson — the first big city to fall to Moscow after it launched its invasion on February 24.

Shoigu announced the decision on state TV, with Russia's commander in Ukraine, Gen Sergei Surovikin reporting on the situation on the ground in Kherson.

"It is appropriate to organise defence along the barrier border of the Dnipro River, on its left bank... The decision to defend the left bank of the Dnipro is not an easy one. At the same time, we will save the lives of our military and the combat capability of the troops," Ukrayinska Pravda quoted Surovikin as saying.

"The manoeuvre of the troops will be carried out as soon as possible. The troops will occupy the prepared defensive positions on the left bank of the Dnipro," he added.

The main part of the Kherson city is located on the right bank of the wide river, and Surovikin called it a difficult decision to withdraw but it would most importantly preserve lives and combat capability of the Russian forces.

He explained that although the Russian air defence has been successfully repelling Ukrainian shelling of Kherson, up to 20 per cent of the rockets can still hit targets and the city and nearby settlements cannot be fully supplied, reports Xinhua news agency.

Meanwhile, Shoigu demanded Surovikin to take all measures to ensure the safe relocation of the personnel, armaments and hardware behind the Dnieper River. Following the withdrawal, Russian troops could be deployed to carry out offensives in other directions, Surovikin added. (IANS)

Also Read: Pakistan Army puts to rest rumours of another extension for General Qamar Javed Bajwa

Also Watch: