Russian-installed authorities in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson have ordered an “immediate” evacuation of residents, amid warnings of a looming Ukrainian counteroffensive to recapture the city.
In a Telegram post, authorities called on all civilians of Kherson to leave the city “immediately”, including all departments and ministries of the Russian-installed administration in Kherson.
Residents have been advised to use boat crossings over the Dnipro River, to move deeper into Russia-held territory.
Although thousands of civilians have been leaving for days across the Dnipro River, today’s warning by Russian authorities marks an urgent development.
The city is the capital of a region of the same name, which was one of four regions illegally annexed by Russia last month following referendums labelled a “sham” by the West.
In its daily intelligence update, the UK’s Ministry of Defence said Russian forces are continuing to reinforce crossing points over the Dnipro River in Ukraine, but are facing “increasing pressure” in Kherson.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
However, in a briefing on Saturday, the Russian defence ministry said its forces had repelled a Ukrainian attempt to break through its line of control in Kherson region. Reuters was unable to independently verify these claims.
Ukraine war: Life appears normal in Moscow… but a sinister undercurrent exists as Putin’s conflict drags on
Vladimir Putin fires sniper rifle at Russian boot camp after Ukraine setbacks
Iranian Revolutionary Guard ‘on the ground’ aiding Russia in Crimea, says intelligence report
Ukraine has recaptured a number of villages in the Kherson region during its counter-offensive.
The move comes as Russia continues its missile strikes on critical infrastructure in Ukraine on Saturday.
