The first reaction of Ukraine after the order of the Russian Minister of Defense on the withdrawal of troops from Kherson was presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, who told Reuters that “it is still too early” to talk about the withdrawal of Russian troops from Kherson.

“Until the Ukrainian flag flies over Kherson, there is no point in talking about Russia’s withdrawal,” Podolyak told Reuters.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Kherson region to the left bank of the Dnieper, leaving the regional capital of the same name, TASS and other Russian news agencies reported.

“Start the withdrawal of troops and take all measures to ensure the safe transfer of personnel, weapons and equipment across the Dnipro,” Shoigu ordered the commander of the Russian invasion forces, Sergei Surovikin, who proposed the measure.

“After a comprehensive assessment of the situation, it is proposed to take separate defensive positions on the left bank of the Dnieper. I understand that this is a very difficult decision,” Surovkin told the Russian Defense Minister, Interfax reports.