The statement gives something to talk about. And that’s because it can mean anything. Russia apparently expects a major attack on the partially occupied Ukrainian city of Kherson in the south of the country. Pro-Russian head of government Vladimir Saldo (66) told Russian broadcaster Rossiya 24 on Wednesday: “Up to 60,000 citizens should be moved to the left side of the Dnipro River” – with all units of the local administration.
Ukraine, on the other hand, calls it a ‘propaganda show’. Specifically, Serhiy Chlan, Ukraine’s adviser to the Kherson regional governor, said at a press conference: “It’s tantamount to deportation, it’s just to stir panic.” However, the Ukrainian side has not provided concrete information about what is happening at the front. How should the situation be classified now?
“Russia is under pressure”
Strategy expert Marcel Berni (34) of the Military Academy of ETH Zurich says: “It is a classic dilemma between military and political logic.” From a military point of view, it makes little sense to maintain the occupied territories in Kherson west of the Dnipro by any means necessary. “Russia is under too much pressure.”
But the Kremlin really wants that. No wonder: “It’s about prestige.” Kherson was one of the first major cities captured by the Russians at the start of the war of aggression. “Ukraine, meanwhile, could be an example if, after recent successes in the northeast, they can now take in some in the south.” In the sense of: “Now we are also turning the tables in Kherson.”
“Kherson is in a very unfavorable location”
This view is supported by the fact that Russian General Sergei Surovikin (56) recently announced that, according to Berni, “difficult decisions” had to be made. «Kherson is geographically very unfavorable for the Russian occupier. There’s no point in holding onto the city under all circumstances – that only works for the moment.” Russia is in a dangerous position and is being pushed back further and further.
All in all, the Russians have had to withdraw almost thirty kilometers so far. Only: why? Berni on Blick: “The city was quickly taken at the beginning of the war, the soldiers are exhausted and it is no longer well taken care of.” In addition, Ukraine has received shipments of weapons from the West, including multiple rocket launchers, which have allowed it to destroy logistics such as bridges and supply chains. “Russian withdrawal and supply options have been constantly attacked and destroyed.”
British experts: ‘Russians consider withdrawal’
British military experts now believe that Russian leaders are considering a major withdrawal of their troops from the area west of the Dnipro River. But there is a big problem for the Russians. In recent weeks, the Ukrainian army has made bridges over the Dnipro impassable. Russia would most likely have to rely heavily on a temporary barge bridge and military pontoon ferries, British experts said.