Ukraine's defence minister said on Thursday it would take Russia at least a week to withdraw its troops from the southern city of Kherson and that winter would slow down operations on the battlefield, giving both sides a chance to recuperate.

In an interview in Kyiv, Oleksii Reznikov told Reuters Russia had a contingent of 40,000 troops in Kherson region and that intelligence showed its forces remained in the city, around the city and on the right bank of the vast Dnipro River.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-withdrawal-from-kherson-another-victory-for-ukraine-nato-chief-533015">Also read |&nbsp;Russia's withdrawal from Kherson 'another victory for Ukraine': NATO chief</a>

"It's not that easy to withdraw these troops from Kherson in one day or two days. As a minimum, (it will take) one week," he said.

Russia said on Wednesday that its forces would retreat from the west bank of the Dnipro River, which includes Kherson, the only regional capital Moscow had captured since invading Ukraine in February.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia begins pulling out of Kherson; Ukraine skeptical, fears a Russian trap

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-begins-pulling-out-of-kherson-ukraine-skeptical-fears-a-russian-trap-533070/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reznikov said that such an exit would free up forces from both sides to fight elsewhere. Ukraine, he said, had a security and defence force of 1 million personnel to guard a "non-friendly" 2,500-km border with Belarus, Russia and occupied Ukrainian areas.

He dismissed as "crazy" the idea that Russia might blow up the Kakhovka dam as it withdraws, saying it would flood areas controlled by Moscow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-russia-preparing-kids-for-war-moscow-rolls-out-soviet-era-training-to-teach-children-how-to-use-weapons-532999">Also read |&nbsp;Is Russia preparing kids for war? Moscow rolls out Soviet-era 'training' to teach children how to use weapons</a>

"If you check the landscape in this district, you will find that the western bank is higher terrain and the east bank is lower terrain," he said.

"This means the water will flow east of this bank and they will have a risk for their troops," he said.

Both sides in the conflict have accused the other of planning to destroy the dam.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Ukraine's defence minister said on Thursday it would take Russia at least a week to withdraw its troops from the southern city of Kherson and that winter would slow down operations on the battlefield, giving both sides a chance to recuperate.

Ukraine's defence minister said on Thursday it would take Russia at least a week to withdraw its troops from the southern city of Kherson and that winter would slow down operations on the battlefield, giving both sides a chance to recuperate. In an interview in Kyiv, Oleksii Reznikov told Reuters Russia had a contingent of 40,000 troops in Kherson region and that intelligence showed its forces remained in the city, around the city and on the right bank of the vast Dnipro River. Also read | Russia's withdrawal from Kherson 'another victory for Ukraine': NATO chief "It's not that easy to withdraw these troops from Kherson in one day or two days. As a minimum, (it will take) one week," he said. Russia said on Wednesday that its forces would retreat from the west bank of the Dnipro River, which includes Kherson, the only regional capital Moscow had captured since invading Ukraine in February. Watch | Russia begins pulling out of Kherson; Ukraine skeptical, fears a Russian trap Reznikov said that such an exit would free up forces from both sides to fight elsewhere. Ukraine, he said, had a security and defence force of 1 million personnel to guard a "non-friendly" 2,500-km border with Belarus, Russia and occupied Ukrainian areas. He dismissed as "crazy" the idea that Russia might blow up the Kakhovka dam as it withdraws, saying it would flood areas controlled by Moscow. Also read | Is Russia preparing kids for war? Moscow rolls out Soviet-era 'training' to teach children how to use weapons "If you check the landscape in this district, you will find that the western bank is higher terrain and the east bank is lower terrain," he said. "This means the water will flow east of this bank and they will have a risk for their troops," he said. Both sides in the conflict have accused the other of planning to destroy the dam. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian withdrawal from Kherson to take at least a week - Kyiv

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

In a&nbsp;potential turning point in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow has ordered its military to withdraw from Ukraine's Kherson city. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday (November 8) that the troops will withdraw from the west bank of the Dnipro River amid Ukrainian attacks near the southern city of Kherson.&nbsp;

Speaking during a televised meeting with Russia's commander in Ukraine Sergei Surovikin, Shoigu asked to "begin to pull out troops". The defence minister's announcement can be deemed as Russia's most significant retreat in the eight-month-old war.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-defence-ministry-says-crimea-bridge-will-not-be-fully-operational-until-september-2023-532618">UK defence ministry says Crimea bridge will not be fully operational until September 2023</a>&nbsp;

General Surovikin said it was no longer possible to supply Kherson city, and also proposed to take up defensive lines on the eastern bank of the river.&nbsp;

As quoted, the Russian general said, "We will save the lives of our soldiers and the fighting capacity of our units. Keeping them on the right (western) bank is futile. Some of them can be used on other fronts."&nbsp;

Shoigu responded: "I agree with your conclusions and proposals. Proceed with the withdrawal of troops and take all measures to transfer forces across the river."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;How the US Midterms could impact Russia-Ukraine war?&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-the-us-midterms-could-impact-russia-ukraine-war-us-policies-to-have-global-repercussions-532631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-zelensky-ready-to-extend-olive-branch-to-putin-but-with-conditions-532504">Ukrainian President Zelensky ready to extend olive branch to Putin, but with conditions</a>&nbsp;

While responding to the announcement, a senior adviser to Ukraine’s president said on Wednesday that it was too early to talk about a Russian troop pullout from Kherson.&nbsp;

Mykhailo Podolyak said in a statement to the news agency Reuters: "Until the Ukrainian flag is flying over Kherson, it makes no sense to talk about a Russian withdrawal."&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. In a potential turning point in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow has ordered its military to withdraw from Ukraine's Kherson city. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday (November 8) that the troops will withdraw from the west bank of the Dnipro River amid Ukrainian attacks near the southern city of Kherson. Speaking during a televised meeting with Russia's commander in Ukraine Sergei Surovikin, Shoigu asked to "begin to pull out troops". The defence minister's announcement can be deemed as Russia's most significant retreat in the eight-month-old war. ALSO READ | UK defence ministry says Crimea bridge will not be fully operational until September 2023 General Surovikin said it was no longer possible to supply Kherson city, and also proposed to take up defensive lines on the eastern bank of the river. As quoted, the Russian general said, "We will save the lives of our soldiers and the fighting capacity of our units. Keeping them on the right (western) bank is futile. Some of them can be used on other fronts." Shoigu responded: "I agree with your conclusions and proposals. Proceed with the withdrawal of troops and take all measures to transfer forces across the river." WATCH | How the US Midterms could impact Russia-Ukraine war? × ALSO READ | Ukrainian President Zelensky ready to extend olive branch to Putin, but with conditions While responding to the announcement, a senior adviser to Ukraine’s president said on Wednesday that it was too early to talk about a Russian troop pullout from Kherson. Mykhailo Podolyak said in a statement to the news agency Reuters: "Until the Ukrainian flag is flying over Kherson, it makes no sense to talk about a Russian withdrawal." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war: In major reversal, Moscow orders military to withdraw from key city of Kherson

Senior Ukraine military officials claimed that Russia is amassing troops on the right bank of the Dnieper river as both sides seem poised for a key battle for the city of Kherson. 
 
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said on Friday (October 28) that Moscow has sent in a contingent of 1,000 recently mobilised soldiers to make up for the massive loss of personnel in the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kherson region, reports Reuters. 
 
“In order to avoid panic among the personnel, the command of the Russian occupying forces is trying by all means to hide the real losses of servicemen.... There is a strengthening of the enemy group on the right bank of the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region with mobilized servicemen numbering up to 1,000 people," the General Staff said in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-moscow-warns-that-it-may-target-western-satellites-528918">Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow warns it may target Western satellites helping Ukraine in battle</a>

It added that civilians are still being moved from Kherson city on the right bank of the Dnieper onto the left one. 
 
Ukraine has pushed ahead with an offensive to reclaim the Kherson region and its capital of the same name, which Russian forces captured during the first days of the war, and Russian President Vladimir Putin announced its annexation. 
 
Ukrainian forces were surrounding Kherson from the west and attacking Russia’s foothold on the right bank of the Dnieper River.&nbsp;However, tough terrain and bad weather held up the Ukrainian Army’s main advance in Kherson, officials said. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-claims-moscow-ordered-some-2000-drones-from-iran-528044">Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky claims Moscow ordered some 2,000 drones from Iran</a>

Kherson, one of four partially occupied provinces that Russia proclaimed to have seized last month, controls the only land route to the Crimean Peninsula that Russia illegally annexed in 2014 and the mouth of the Dnieper that bisects Ukraine. 
 
On Thursday (October 27), Russia-appointed officials in Kherson said that more than 70,000 people have left the city, including members of the Moscow-installed regional administration.

The Ukrainian military claimed on Friday that forces had killed 44 Russian soldiers in the past 24 hours, besides destroying an ammunition depot and a hangar with equipment, but the claim could not be independently verified. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-has-fired-unspecified-ballistic-missile-says-seoul-529034">North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles into sea</a> 
 
However, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said his 23 soldiers were killed and 58 others wounded in a Ukrainian artillery attack this week in Kherson. The comments were unusual as pro-Moscow forces have rarely admitted to major battlefield losses. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Senior Ukraine military officials claimed that Russia is amassing troops on the right bank of the Dnieper river as both sides seem poised for a key battle for the city of Kherson.

Senior Ukraine military officials claimed that Russia is amassing troops on the right bank of the Dnieper river as both sides seem poised for a key battle for the city of Kherson. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said on Friday (October 28) that Moscow has sent in a contingent of 1,000 recently mobilised soldiers to make up for the massive loss of personnel in the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kherson region, reports Reuters. “In order to avoid panic among the personnel, the command of the Russian occupying forces is trying by all means to hide the real losses of servicemen.... There is a strengthening of the enemy group on the right bank of the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region with mobilized servicemen numbering up to 1,000 people," the General Staff said in a statement. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow warns it may target Western satellites helping Ukraine in battle It added that civilians are still being moved from Kherson city on the right bank of the Dnieper onto the left one. Ukraine has pushed ahead with an offensive to reclaim the Kherson region and its capital of the same name, which Russian forces captured during the first days of the war, and Russian President Vladimir Putin announced its annexation. Ukrainian forces were surrounding Kherson from the west and attacking Russia’s foothold on the right bank of the Dnieper River. However, tough terrain and bad weather held up the Ukrainian Army’s main advance in Kherson, officials said. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky claims Moscow ordered some 2,000 drones from Iran Kherson, one of four partially occupied provinces that Russia proclaimed to have seized last month, controls the only land route to the Crimean Peninsula that Russia illegally annexed in 2014 and the mouth of the Dnieper that bisects Ukraine. On Thursday (October 27), Russia-appointed officials in Kherson said that more than 70,000 people have left the city, including members of the Moscow-installed regional administration. The Ukrainian military claimed on Friday that forces had killed 44 Russian soldiers in the past 24 hours, besides destroying an ammunition depot and a hangar with equipment, but the claim could not be independently verified. ALSO READ | North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles into sea However, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said his 23 soldiers were killed and 58 others wounded in a Ukrainian artillery attack this week in Kherson. The comments were unusual as pro-Moscow forces have rarely admitted to major battlefield losses. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine: Moscow has sent 1,000 troops as reinforcement as fighting intensifies in Kherson

Asking his countrymen to expect good news, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian troops are holding out against repeated attacks by Russian forces in two eastern towns. He further said that the troops on the southern front are gearing up to battle for the strategic Kherson region, which Russia appears to be reinforcing.

In a Wednesday evening address, Zelensky informed that there will be good news from the front. However, he neither gave any details nor did he clearly mention what was happening in Kherson.

Officials and military analysts have predicted that Kherson will witness one of the fiercest battles of the war since Russia invaded Ukraine eight months ago. The result of what happens in Kherson will ultimately decide who holds the edge.

Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-oversees-training-of-nuclear-deterrence-forces-528574">Vladimir Putin oversees training of nuclear deterrence forces</a>

Avdiivka, outside Donetsk, and Bakhmut were both facing witnessing the fiercest fightings, Zelensky said.

"This is where the craziness of the Russian command is most evident. Day after day, for months, they are driving people to their deaths there, concentrating the highest level of artillery strikes," he said.

Russian forces have repeatedly tried to seize Bakhmut, which sits on a main road leading to the Ukrainian-held cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

"The situation on the front line hasn't changed significantly," Zelensky said. ”The fiercest battles are in the Donetsk region, towards (the cities of) Bakhmut and Avdiyivka".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-reiterates-dirty-bomb-claims-duing-call-with-india-528600">Russia reiterates Ukraine 'dirty bomb' claims, India stresses on dialogue to resolve conflict</a>

Ukrainian forces have been advancing along the Dnipro River in the south, but things seem to have slowed down. Meanwhile, Russia is evacuating civilians from Kherson saying that Ukraine is preparing to launch a fierce attack.

At least 70,000 people have left their homes in&nbsp;Kherson&nbsp;province,&nbsp;a Moscow-installed official, Vladimir Saldo, told a regional TV channel.

Ukraine's defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said that wet weather and rough terrain were hampering Kyiv's counter-offensive in Kherson.

Russia has been attacking Kyiv and other areas with Iranian-made drones. The attacks have damaged several thermal power stations leaving much of the country in the dark. People have been asked to reduce their consumption of power in lieu of the situation and the approaching winter.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

Asking his countrymen to expect good news, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian troops are holding out against repeated attacks by Russian forces in two eastern towns.

Asking his countrymen to expect good news, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian troops are holding out against repeated attacks by Russian forces in two eastern towns. He further said that the troops on the southern front are gearing up to battle for the strategic Kherson region, which Russia appears to be reinforcing. In a Wednesday evening address, Zelensky informed that there will be good news from the front. However, he neither gave any details nor did he clearly mention what was happening in Kherson. Officials and military analysts have predicted that Kherson will witness one of the fiercest battles of the war since Russia invaded Ukraine eight months ago. The result of what happens in Kherson will ultimately decide who holds the edge. Also Read | Vladimir Putin oversees training of nuclear deterrence forces Avdiivka, outside Donetsk, and Bakhmut were both facing witnessing the fiercest fightings, Zelensky said. "This is where the craziness of the Russian command is most evident. Day after day, for months, they are driving people to their deaths there, concentrating the highest level of artillery strikes," he said. Russian forces have repeatedly tried to seize Bakhmut, which sits on a main road leading to the Ukrainian-held cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. "The situation on the front line hasn't changed significantly," Zelensky said. ”The fiercest battles are in the Donetsk region, towards (the cities of) Bakhmut and Avdiyivka". Also Read | Russia reiterates Ukraine 'dirty bomb' claims, India stresses on dialogue to resolve conflict Ukrainian forces have been advancing along the Dnipro River in the south, but things seem to have slowed down. Meanwhile, Russia is evacuating civilians from Kherson saying that Ukraine is preparing to launch a fierce attack. At least 70,000 people have left their homes in Kherson province, a Moscow-installed official, Vladimir Saldo, told a regional TV channel. Ukraine's defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said that wet weather and rough terrain were hampering Kyiv's counter-offensive in Kherson. Russia has been attacking Kyiv and other areas with Iranian-made drones. The attacks have damaged several thermal power stations leaving much of the country in the dark. People have been asked to reduce their consumption of power in lieu of the situation and the approaching winter. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky promises 'good news' from Kherson, reports heaviest fighting near Bakhmut

kherson-battle

Kherson Battle, News on Kherson Battle, stories on Kherson Battle, articles on Kherson Battle, Kherson Battle stories at Wion, Kherson Battle news, Kherson Battle latest news

kherson battle

Russian withdrawal from Kherson to take at least a week - Kyiv

Russia-Ukraine war: In major reversal, Moscow orders military to withdraw from key city of Kherson

Ukraine: Moscow has sent 1,000 troops as reinforcement as fighting intensifies in Kherson

Zelensky promises 'good news' from Kherson, reports heaviest fighting near Bakhmut