The White House on Saturday hailed what appeared to be an “extraordinary victory” for Ukraine and a sharp setback for Moscow after the forced withdrawal of the Russian army and the recapture of the southern city of Kherson, AFP reported.

“It looks like the Ukrainians have just won an extraordinary victory: the only regional capital captured by Russia in this war is now back under the Ukrainian flag, which is very remarkable,” White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters accompanying. President Joe Biden at the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia.

Sullivan spoke after Ukrainian troops entered the city, another sharp setback for Moscow after nearly nine months of war in Ukraine.

According to him, the withdrawal of Russian troops will have “broader strategic consequences”, in particular, mitigation of the long-term threat from Russia to several cities in southern Ukraine, including Odesa.

“This is an important moment, and it is thanks to the incredible perseverance and skill of Ukrainians with the united and unwavering support of the United States and our allies,” Sullivan added.

Asked about reports that President Joe Biden’s administration has begun pressuring President Volodymyr Zelenskyi to consider negotiating with Moscow, Jack Sullivan said Russia, not Ukraine, should decide whether or not to come to the negotiating table.

According to him, Russia continues to make “outrageous claims” regarding self-proclaimed annexations of Ukrainian lands, even as it retreats in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

“Ukraine is the peaceful side in this conflict, and Russia is the war side. Russia attacked Ukraine. If Russia decided to stop fighting in Ukraine and leave, that would mean the end of the war. If Ukraine decided to stop fighting and leave, it would mean the end of Ukraine,” the White House adviser emphasized.

“In this context, our position remains the same as in the past, and, in fact, it consists in close consultation and support of President Zelensky,” Sullivan emphasized. (Source Agerpres)