Russia to withdraw from key city of Kherson 

The Russian defence minister has ordered the withdrawal of Russian forces from the key city of Kherson and the west bank of the Dnipro river. 

Russia seized Kherson city at the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian commander in Ukraine, Sergei Surovikin, said it was no longer possible to keep supplying the city.  

Kherson had been Russia’s biggest prize in the invasion – but Ukrainian forces have mounted a concerted counter-offensive over recent weeks to try to recapture the city. 

The withdrawal of troops marks a major setback for President Putin’s invasion. 

Russian withdrawal will take days – UK

The UK’s MoD posted its latest intelligence update following the announcement from Russia. 

The MoD said Russian forces had to withdraw as they cannot sustain their army after Ukraine damaged their resupply routes. 

Russian troops will be “vulnerable” due to limited crossing points on the Dnipro river as they leave Kherson. 

The MoD added it will likely take Russia several days to withdraw from the city.