Russian troops appear poised for a complete withdrawal from the Ukrainian city of Kherson, with preparations for what would amount to an “orderly, well-planned and deliberate” retreat reaching an advanced stage, Western officials said.
An element of uncertainty about Moscow’s precise plans remains. While Russian troops had “both the intent and the capability to withdraw,” they may yet decide not to implement the withdrawal, one of the officials, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, said.
Meanwhile, a Russian-installed official in Kherson said Moscow would “likely” pull its troops from the west bank of the Dnieper River to the eastern bank — even as Ukrainian officials warned that Russian troops could be setting up a trap by signaling a withdrawal.
Here’s the latest on the war and its impact across the world.
4. From our correspondents
Why Putin will fight for Kherson: Fresh water and land bridge to Crimea. Here in the muddy coastal region of Kherson, soldiers are readying for what may become the biggest battle of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, and perhaps the single best test of whether Moscow ends up winning any significant territory from its invasion or is forced to retreat empty-handed.
Ukrainian officials have signaled that an assault on Kherson city could be imminent. Russia, however, has shown no indication that it is willing to give up the city, or the broader Kherson region, which carries enormous strategic and political importance for the Kremlin, writes The Post’s Michael Miller.