Russian military seemingly leaves Chornobayivka airfield near Kherson
The photos show only abandoned trenches for equipment, which were dug across the airfield to hide materiel from Ukrainian strikes. A fortified facility at the airfield itself was an important command post for Russian forces in the area, as well as many formations and units, in particular the 22nd Army Corps, the 7th Air Assault Division, the 127th Separate Reconnaissance Brigade, and the 20th Motorized Rifle Division, Defense Express writes.
Reportedly, the headquarters of the grouping's command has also been withdrawn from Chornobayivka and, apparently, at least some of the units that were engaged in the protection of the facility have also been redeployed.
Read also: Russia moves Kherson “administration” to Dnipro’s east bank
"In general, the reasons for the Russian army's withdrawal from Chornobayivka are quite obvious, as it is about 20 kilometers away from the contact line, which makes it a frontline zone," the publication explains.
The small village of Chornobayivka near Kherson became world famous as the site for repeated Ukrainian strikes on the Russian army there, and gained a reputation for bad luck.
In October, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin declared "martial law" in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast, and the occupying “authorities” closed the region for entry. At the same time, there were many news reports that the "administration" was leaving Kherson and other cities on the right bank of the Dnipro River.
Read also: Kremlin-backed administration of Kherson urged civilians to ‘evacuate immediately’
Collaborators called on ordinary citizens to follow suit, and began large-scale looting operations in the city, including a monument to Imperial Russian general Alexander Suvorov and a coffin containing the remains of 18th century Russian military leader Grigory Potemkin.
Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov predicts that Armed Forces are set to liberate the city of Kherson by the end of 2022.
Read also: Budanov suggests Ukraine will regain control over Kherson in 2022
At the same time, the spy chief says that so far, the Russian military is not really preparing to leave the city, but is instead getting ready for defense.
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
