Ukraine celebrates victory as Kherson is taken over by Ukrainian forces as Russia retreats

As Russian troops withdrew to the east on Friday, Ukrainian forces rushed into the crucial city of Kherson, giving Kiev a decisive win and dealing President Vladimir Putin one of his largest blows since the invasion's start. Thrilled locals who had endured months of Russian occupation poured into Kherson's main square, hugging and taking photographs with the newly arriving Ukrainian soldiers. They also waved Ukrainian flags.

Ukraine retook control of the important southern city after Russia decided to withdraw, setting up celebrations throughout Kherson. Following the assault on February 24, Russia only took control of Kherson. It was Moscow's first great victory over a large city.

The Ukrainian armed forces have entered Kherson city, which is situated on the right bank of the Dnieper River, following the withdrawal of Russian troops, which is regarded as one of their greatest setbacks in the ongoing conflict, the Main Intelligence Directorate of Kyiv's Defense Ministry said on Friday. Kherson is a city in the Ukraine. It issued a statement on Telegram stating that "Kherson is back to the sovereignty of Ukraine" . 

According to Xinhua news agency, Igor Konashenkov, a spokesperson for the Russian Defense Ministry, "not a single item of military equipment and weapons were left on the right bank."

He said that there were no casualties in terms of soldiers, weapons, military hardware, or supplies. Over 30,000 Russian service members and approximately 5,000 pieces of equipment, according to Konashenkov, had been brought back to the left bank.

The commander of Russia in Ukraine declared on Wednesday that the city could no longer be supplied, signalling the country's withdrawal from Kherson. On Thursday, Ukraine claimed advances of up to 7 kilometres on two axes as its troops advanced, despite the fact that there was scant indication of any Russian withdrawal.