Putin completely distances himself from Kherson defeat

“In my opinion, Putin clearly understands that the days of victorious achievements for his army in this war are over,” said Zhdanov.

Read also: Battle of Kherson: Russian retreat confirms Putin is losing the war

“So, he officially appoints a commander of joint forces – Sergei Surovikin – so that he can be a scapegoat if there are any failures. You might’ve noticed how Putin completely distanced himself from making decisions on Kherson. Those decisions were made by Shoigu (Minister of Defense) and Surovikin.”

On Nov. 11, Russian Defense Ministry reported complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the western bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.

Read also: Russia quits Kherson city, Russian elites scared of Prigozhin, business mood improves

Meanwhile, local residents posted photos of stranded Russian soldiers who change into civilian clothes in an attempt to blend in with the crowds and avoid getting captured by Ukrainian forces.

This decision caused sharp discontent among the Russians, who are disappointed with the country's leadership for blundering into such a major apparent defeat.

Read also: Erdoğan and Putin didn't discuss war in Ukraine, Peskov says

Putin’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on Moscow abandoning Kherson suggesting the issue should be taken up with the Defense Ministry.

Read also: Ukraine destroys another Russian Dnipro River crossing in Kherson

“This is Surovikin's proposal and Shoigu's decision,” Peskov said.

Advisor to the head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Yuriy Sak, said that as of Nov. 11, Ukraine has almost complete control of Kherson Oblast on the western bank of Dnipro River.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine