Russia’s top commander in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovykin, said it was no longer possible to supply the city and other parts of the western bank of the Dnipro River where it is located. In televised remarks, he said: “We will save the lives of our soldiers and the fighting ability of our units. “Keeping them on the right (west) bank is futile. “Some of it can be used on other fronts.” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu responded by saying: “I agree with your conclusions and proposals. “Proceed with the withdrawal of the troops and take all measures to transport the forces across the river.” The announcement marks one of Russia’s most significant concessions and another humiliating setback. Read more: Briton killed fighting in Ukraine The city of Kherson, which had a pre-war population of 280,000, was captured by Russia early in the war and remains the only regional capital to have fallen. Ukrainian troops launched offensives over the summer in an attempt to retake parts of the province. Mikhailo Podolyak, adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said: “Ukraine does not pay attention to Russian statements – words and deeds are different.” The Kherson region was annexed in September, along with three other parts of Ukraine – Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhia. Mr Zelenskyy has said many times that the return of all occupied territories is a condition for any peace talks with Russia. But Russia is unlikely to give up its claim to the four regions or to Crimea, which it took in 2014.
