Russia Orders Retreat From Ukrainian City of Kherson

Russia announced on November 9 that it was ordering the withdrawal of thousands of Russian troops from the city of Kherson in a major retreat for their forces in Ukraine.

In a meeting between defense minister, Sergei Shoigu and Gen. Sergey Surovikin, the commander of Russia’s forces in Ukraine, Surovikin told Shoigu it was no longer possible to maintain supplies to the city, according to the state media outlet RIA Novosti.

Surovikin advised that Russian troops should form defensive lines on the opposite bank of the Dnieper River. Shoigu replied in agreement and issued the withdrawal order, RIA reported.

“I agree with your conclusions and proposals. For us, the life and health of Russian servicemen is always a priority. We must also take into account the threat to the civilian population. Make sure all civilians who want to can leave,” Shoigu said, according to a machine translation of his remarks.

The announcement came shortly after the Russian-installed governor of Kherson Oblast, Volomdyr Saldo, reported that his deputy, Kirill Stremousov, had been killed in a car crash. Credit: Russian Defense Ministry via Storyful