Moscow announces its withdrawal from Kherson… and Kiev is suspicious

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu gave the green light for a temporary withdrawal from the strategic southern city of Kherson, and the rearrangement of Russian forces on the left bank of the Dnieper River, describing the decision as “extremely difficult”, while Kyiv questioned the move, saying it did not see “any indication” so far. To withdraw from the city, which has been witnessing for weeks the Ukrainian counter-attack.

“We see no indication that Russia is leaving Kherson without a fight,” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mikhailo Podolyak said. Part of the Russian (forces) is still in the city,” considering that Moscow’s televised statements are nothing but “theatrical,” adding, “Actions speak louder than words. We see no signs of Russia leaving Kherson without a fight.”

The Russian Defense Minister, who announced his approval of a proposal in this regard submitted by the commander of the joint forces, Sergei Sorovikin, said that the priority is to protect the lives of the civilian population and members of the armed forces, rearrange Russian defenses and prepare for attacks in other regions. Sorovikin had given an extensive briefing in the presence of the Minister of Defense on the situation on the ground around Kherson, and on the rest of the fighting axes, and said that the Russian forces “resuming their attack on several axes in the areas of the special military operation in Ukraine.”

In a related context, Kyiv welcomed the financial aid package proposed by the European Union worth 18 billion euros (18 billion dollars) for the next year 2023, which will be provided in the form of loans to bear the interests of member states. This grant will be used to cover Ukraine’s needs for salaries, pensions, and repair of necessary infrastructure, including energy and health facilities. “This financial assistance, averaging 1.5 billion euros per month, will cover a large part of Ukraine’s short-term financing needs for 2023,” the European Commission said in a statement.

.