Russia orders troop withdrawal from Ukraine’s Kherson city

No immediate comment by Ukraine, but announcement indicated major retreat for Russia in months-long war.

Russia has ordered its forces to withdraw from the Ukrainian city of Kherson, the only regional capital seized by the Russian army since it invaded Ukraine in late February.

State media reported on Wednesday that Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu had ordered his troops to withdraw from the west bank of the Dnieper River and set up defences on the eastern flank.

There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials, who have previously warned that such statements could be a trap amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the southern region.

If confirmed, the withdrawal would mark a major retreat for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military in the war, now nearing the end of its ninth month.

More to follow.