Ukraine war: Russian-installed authorities in Kherson order ‘immediate’ evacuation amid warnings of counteroffensive

Russian-installed authorities in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson have ordered an “immediate” evacuation of residents, amid warnings of a looming Ukrainian counter-offensive to recapture the city.

In a Telegram post, authorities called on all civilians of Kherson to leave the city “immediately”, citing the “tense situation” and increased danger of shelling.

While thousands of civilians have been leaving for days across the Dnipro River, today’s warning by Russian authorities marks an urgent development, as residents are advised to use boat crossings to move deeper into Russia-held territory.

The city is the capital of a region of the same name, which was one of four regions illegally annexed by Russia last month following referendums labelled a “sham” by the West.

It is strategically important and a prime objective for both sides because of its major river and seaport.

The warning comes as Ukrainian forces advance along the west bank of the Dnipro River, aiming to recapture the city.

On Friday, Ukrainian forces bombarded Russian positions across the province, inching closer to a full assault on its capital as they targeted resupply routes.

In its daily intelligence update, the UK’s Ministry of Defence said Russian forces are continuing to reinforce crossing points over the Dnipro River in Ukraine, but are facing “increasing pressure” in Kherson.

All departments and ministries of the Russian-installed administration in Kherson have also been told to leave.

This week, Russian commander General Sergei Surovikin said the situation in Kherson was “already difficult” and that Russia was “not ruling out difficult decisions” there.

However, in a briefing on Saturday, the Russian defence ministry said its forces had repelled a Ukrainian attempt to break through its line of control in Kherson region. Reuters was unable to independently verify these claims.

Ukrainian forces have recaptured a number of villages in the region during its counter-offensive.

The move comes as Russia continues its missile strikes on critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

On Saturday, Ukraine’s air force said that Russia had launched “a massive missile attack” targeting critical infrastructure, with several regions reporting strikes on energy facilities and power outages.

The country’s energy minister said that Russian air attacks have hit at least half of Ukraine’s thermal generation capacity.