In the course of the war, Russian troops give up conquered territory in Ukraine. The soldiers sent by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin (76) withdraw from a strategically important part of the annexed Kherson region.
According to Sergei Surovikin (67), commander-in-chief of Russian forces in Ukraine, the withdrawal was “a very unpleasant decision”. What the general describes as “uncomfortable” is a debacle for him and Putin.
Decision «show responsibility»
Now the Russian cheerleaders are commenting on the decision. Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin (61) beautifully expresses the withdrawal to “Ria Novosti”. The decision to withdraw troops from the right bank of the Dnieper is not an easy one, but it shows the command’s willingness to take responsibility for the soldiers’ lives.
Above all, it is about “preserving the lives of our soldiers and the overall fighting ability of the troop group, which should not be kept in a restricted area on the right bank.”
“It’s important to work on mistakes”
He praises Putin’s General Surovikin. He “behaved like a man who is not afraid of responsibility.” The Wagner boss continues: “It is important not to torture yourself, not to fall into paranoia, but to draw conclusions and work on mistakes.”
Putin’s “bloodhound”, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov (46), made a strikingly similar statement. He thinks “Surovikin behaved like a real combat general who is not afraid of criticism.” Kadyrov announced this on Telegrm.
Kadyrov questions the timing of withdrawal
It continues: “Evgeny Prigozhin very aptly said that Surovikin saved a thousand soldiers in a virtual encirclement.” Then again comes the statement that the Kherson region is particularly difficult.
However, Kadyrov is now also known for expressing criticism. He asks about the retreat: “Why didn’t this happen in the early days of the special operation?” That’s another question.
Russia had largely occupied the Kherson region in the early weeks of the war, and Russian troops marched into Kherson in early March.
With the withdrawal, Russia loses control in the south of the only Ukrainian regional capital it has captured since the war of aggression began in late February. (EU)