The battle for Kherson is not over yet – ISW on Russia’s claimed retreat
Statements by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russian troops commander Sergei Surovikin about the alleged retreat of their army from Kherson indicate that Russia is moving to a new phase, so the battle for the city is not over yet.
This was reported by analysts of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in their report on November 9.
Experts believe that the Russians seek to withdraw their forces across the Dnipro and delay the Ukrainian Armed Forces, rather than try to completely stop the Ukrainian counteroffensive.
– The statements by Shoigu and Surovikin mark the beginning of a steady, fighting withdrawal of Russian troops across the Dnipro to prepared positions on the left bank,” ISW believes.
By taking such a step, some experts believe, the Russian command seeks to preserve the combat capabilities of Russian units, in particular elements of the 76th, 106th and 22nd airborne assault divisions.
Instead, the ISW adds, the statements about Russia’s withdrawal from the western bank of the Dnipro are hardly a trap.
Experts doubt that the Russians want to lure Ukrainian troops into a difficult battle near Kherson.
– Russian commanders will undoubtedly try to slow down the Ukrainian advance to maintain an orderly retreat, and some forces may remain to delay Ukrainian troops in Kherson itself, but these battles will be a means to withdraw as many Russian units as possible in an orderly fashion, ISW believes.
On November 9, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu allegedly agreed to the proposal of the commander of Russian troops Sergei Surovikin to retreat from Kherson.
The Ukrainian side was skeptical about such statements, as it sees no signs that Russia is leaving Kherson without a fight.
The full-scale war in Ukraine continues for the 260th day.
You can follow the situation in the cities on the interactive map of hostilities in Ukraine.
More information about the war in Ukraine – news online read in the material Fakty ICTV.
