ISW: Russian forces start to withdraw from western Kherson region of Ukraine

The withdrawal of Russian forces from western Kherson region of Ukraine has begun, the daily bulletin of the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says.

Russian forces are “quite actively” transferring ammunition, military equipment, and some unspecified units from the Dnipro River’s west bank to the east bank via ferries, the ISW notes. The Russian army deployed about 2,000 draftees in an effort to cover the withdrawal of “the most combat-capable units”, the institute added.

Another fact pointing to the upcoming withdrawal is the evacuation of imported Russian specialists, Ukrainian collaborators, and Kherson’s banking system from the occupied area, ISW says. “Russian occupation administration in Beryslav and humanitarian facilities in Kherson City also reportedly ceased operations,” the bulletin notes.

Russian troops likely plan to withdraw over the next two weeks; however, they may face difficulties if the Ukrainian forces choose to attack, the report reads.

On 19 October, the occupation “government” of the Kherson region reported that Ukraine’s offensive in the region had begun. Entry of civilians to Kherson from the left bank was suspended for seven days.

On the same day, the occupation “authorities” of the Kherson region started evacuating local residents to the other bank of the Dnipro. “Acting governor” of the region Vladimir Saldo stated that the “officials” plan to evacuate 50 to 60 thousand people to the left bank of the Dnipro. City residents received text messages urging them to evacuate due to the threat of shelling.