Russian troops continue to withdraw some elements from the northwestern Kherson region, but it is still unclear whether Russian troops will fight for the city of Kherson, according to an assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) published overnight from Thursday to Friday.

The deputy of the occupation administration in the regional capital, Kyrylo Stremousov, said on November 3 that Russian troops “will most likely go to the left (eastern) bank” of the Nipruo River, calling on civilians to “evacuate the city of Kherson as soon as possible.” as far as possible.” “

The ISV noted that Russian troops continue to prepare positions for retreat on the left (eastern) bank of the Dnieper, continuing to set up defensive positions northwest of the city of Kherson and moving additional mobilized forces there, despite Stremousov’s statement.

It appears that some elite Russian units, such as the Airborne Forces and Marines, continue to operate on the right (west) bank of the Dnieper, and their complete withdrawal from northern Kherson Oblast would be a clearer indication that Russian forces will not be fighting for m Kherson or settlements on the right bank.

Stremousov also suggested the possibility of fighting in the city of Kherson and in the north of the region in the next two weeks, which may indicate that he foresees some fighting for the city of Kherson, despite his claims of withdrawal.

Stremousov is also an unreliable source, constantly making contradictory statements and reacting emotionally to events, and his public statements may be clouded by personal fears of losing his position in the occupation administration.

Ukrainian and Russian sources also discussed at length the reports of the dismantling of Russian checkpoints near Kherson, the theft of monuments from the city and the removal of the Russian flag from the building of the Kherson Regional State Administration as indicators of the ongoing Russian withdrawal of troops. deployment from gr.

The Russian publication claimed that Russian officials removed the flag because the occupation administration had moved to Henichesk, near the border with Crimea.

While the relocation of the occupation administration from Kherson Oblast may indicate that Russian troops are preparing to leave the regional capital, it may also indicate that they are setting the stage for urban fighting in the city.

Similar reports may appear in the coming days, given the ongoing forced evacuation of civilians from both the right and left banks of the Dnipro River, but they may not indicate an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from the city of Kherson.

The deployment of the Russian Airborne Forces remains the best indicator of Russia’s intentions.

—————–

• Friday’s military events are broadcast LIVE on HotNews.ro