Ukraine: Russia ‘fleeing’ Kherson as its civilians reveal brutality

As winter sets in, the war in Ukraine looks set for a new, bloody phase around Kherson.

Ukraine’s military claimed that Russia’s apparent retreat from the city is actually preparation for a false flag attack, and that they expect civilian areas to be shelled.

Kherson, in the south of the country, is the only regional capital captured by the Russians since February’s mass invasion.

It’s politically important but militarily difficult to defend, and in recent days Russian forces have appeared to leave the city, setting up a new administrative centre south of the Dnipro river.