Russia’s military has been ordered to pull out of the Ukrainian city of Kherson, the only regional capital captured since the invasion began in February.

Russia’s commander in Ukraine, Gen Sergei Surovikin, said it was no longer possible to maintain supplies to the city. The withdrawal means Russian forces will pull out entirely from the region on the western bank of the River Dnipro.

It is estimated that around 40,000 troops will have to be moved, many of them in units that have suffered heavy casualties in manpower and materiel.

Other important statements from Surovkin’s report to Defense Minister Shoigu:

▪️The city of Kherson and adjacent settlements cannot be supplied and function under the current conditions.

▪️Russian troops will take prepared positions on the left bank of the Dnieper. pic.twitter.com/rkK9O4MtPg

— ТРУХА⚡️English (@TpyxaNews) November 9, 2022

Reports from Ukraine in recent days have indicated that the Russians are destroying bridges on the road network of the occupied territories, to prevent the advance of Ukrainian forces. Other information wanted Russian army units in the area to have suffered heavy losses.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

source bbc.com