Kremlin ‘particularly’ keen to negotiate an end to Ukraine conflict

Russian forces have withdrawn from the southern city of Kherson in the face of a tactical Ukrainian counter-offensive operation. In light of the Russian retreat, Moscow’s officials are reportedly keen to negotiate with Ukraine as the Kremlin hopes to secure an end to the conflict. The news comes after Russia suffered a string of brutal attacks resulting in high casualties and catastrophic military equipment losses.Journalist Liz Cookman, who has been based in Ukraine covering the war, told Times Radio Russia was hoping to wrap up the invasion.She reported: ‘Both sides, particularly Russia, have signalled that they are willing to negotiate but under certain terms.’For Ukraine, they know that negotiations will probably mean being forced to give up territory, which they are not willing to do.’At the moment, there is a lot of hope that they could actually fully win this war.’ Russia is reportedly keen to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine (Image: GETTY) Russian troops have withdrawn from the southern city of Kherson (Image: GETTY)Kherson was one of four regions within Ukraine that President Putin previously declared would be annexed by Russia.The President’s announcement came after a series of pseudo-referendums were conducted by Russian-installed officials in the occupied regions.The UK Ministry of Defence indicated the withdrawal from Kherson is likely to bring ‘significant reputational damage’ to Russia’s military forces.The humiliating retreat will mark the loss of the only regional capital city Russia had been able to seize during the nine-month-long invasionRead more: Moscow pundit calls for army to prepare ‘full-scale war in Europe’ General Surovikin announced plans to withdraw from Kherson on Russian state media (Image: GETTY) Kherson had been the only regional capital city captured by Russian forces (Image: GETTY)Ms Cookman added that the liberation of Kherson has boosted morale within Ukraine and fueled efforts to rid the country of Russian invaders.She explained: ‘Certainly it looks a lot more hopeful for Ukraine and it’s a huge boost for morale as winter is setting in. ‘Ukraine’s winters are very harsh, they’re very cold – it’s already getting very cold. A lot of cities have scheduled power cuts, and they have some heating cuts, as part of efforts to conserve energy. ‘Settlements in the east and some in the south have no gas or electricity at all, so this kind of thing is a huge morale boost for the whole country.’Don’t miss: Moscow residents march to demand missile strike on Washington [VIDEO]Putin reeling as Ukraine smashes Russian ‘headquarters’ killing 80 [INSIGHT]Putin’s army ‘humiliated’ after crushing Kherson blow, says Wallace [REVEAL] The Kremlin has not formally announced plans to begin negotiations (Image: GETTY)The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed the withdrawal of forces from the city of Kherson to the east bank of the Dnipro River was completed on Friday, just two days after the retreat was formally announced across state-controlled media.President Zelensky acknowledged the withdrawal had brought a sense of ‘joy’ within Ukraine but warned celebrations should remain ‘restrained’ until the whole of Ukraine was liberated.Neither the Ukrainian authorities nor the Kremlin has signalled that any formal negotiation process to end the conflict has begun.Read next: Putin orders dozens of hypersonic 6,700mph nuclear-capable missilesSky reporter swarmed by tearful Ukrainians as troops liberate KhersonRussian women march to frontline to demand husbands be sent homeCome back Boris! Support for former PM in Ukraine still strongUkraine sent US air defence systems to annihilate Putin’s missiles