Russian forces ordered to withdraw from Kherson city in Kyiv victory

2 hours ago05:39 Sean MeleadySatellite images have now emerged showing that the Russians have been building trenches and restoring old ones in the northern part of Crimea and in the Kherson Oblast.Open-source intelligence analyst Benjamin Pittet posted the satellite images on Twitter, saying: ‘Russia is digging new trenches in Northern Crimea! 2 hours ago05:37 Sean MeleadyRussian Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu announced the withdrawal on Wednesday and said it was no longer possible to keep supplying the city.Ukraine has reacted with caution to the announcement and has said it believes Russian forces were still in the region.The advisor to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, Oleksiy Arestovych said: ‘They are moving out but not as much as would be taking place if it was a full pullout or regrouping.’ 4 hours ago03:06 Sean MeleadyUkrainian MP Maria Mezentseva recalled the time when she found out Russian troops were withdrawing from Kherson area, a significant development in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. Speaking to BBC Newsnight, the Ukrainian MP said she ‘couldn’t believe her eyes’ reading the alarming message about the development.She told BBC: ‘I want to share an alarming message which I saw during my meeting in Brussels and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Russian troops were withdrawing from the Kherson area.’It has been a very strategic point from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion and barbarian war of the Russian Federation. Firstly, I didn’t believe it until I saw other confirmation from reliable sources.’ 8 hours ago23:30 Sean MeleadyA Briton has died after travelling to Ukraine to help fight against Russia. Simon Lingard died on November 7, according to his family.A member of Mr Lingard’s family said in a statement: “My Dad was an inspiration to all who knew him, a real life hero who died fighting for what he believed in.”He was loved and adored by so many. A true representation of what a soldier should be.”The Ukrainian Military have offered to bring him home to England, but we need help to show him the respect and adoration he deserves by giving him the greatest well deserved send off.” 9 hours ago22:22 Paul WithersThe move comes in response from requests by Ukraine for more air defence capabilities in the war against Russia.The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the missiles will “play a vital role in the provision of air defence for Ukraine and the protection of its critical infrastructure which is being continually targeted by Russia”.These missiles can be used in conjunction with existing Armed Forces of Ukraine capabilities.The equipment consists of launchers and missiles and is capable of shooting down air targets, including Russian drones and cruise missiles.Defence Secretary Mr Wallace said: “This commitment of hundreds more surface to air missiles continues our defensive support for Ukraine against Russian aggression – and will help Ukraine counter the threat from illegal targeting of critical national infrastructure.” 10 hours ago21:22 Paul WithersThe Russian President has handed Ukrainian troops a “morale boost” as his country pulls its forces from Kherson.General Sergei Surovikin recommended the move in a televised briefing with Defence Secretary Sergei Shoigu.Allies have since hailed the move the “right decision”, but experts say it has humiliated Putin.David Lewis, a professor of international relations and peace and conflict studies at the University of Exeter, said the withdrawal is a significant blow to the Kremlin.He said the announcement would leave Russia embarrassed, and hand Ukrainian troops a morale boost as they pursue their southern offensive.READ MORE Vladimir Putin has handed Ukrainian troops a ‘morale boost’, an expert has claimed (Image: GETTY) 12 hours ago19:14 Paul WithersColin Kahl, the under secretary for US defence, claimed half of Russia’s tanks have now been destroyed by Ukrainian troops.Speaking to CNN, he said: “Putin has failed. Russia will emerge from this war weaker than it went in.”Putin went into this war trying to extinguish Ukraine as an independent, sovereign democratic country. He has failed, and that is not going to change.”A sovereign, independent, democratic Ukraine is going to endure.”The US has committed more than $18.2billion in weapons and other equipment to Ukraine since the war began on February 24.READ MORE 14 hours ago17:40 Paul WithersJens Stoltenberg has taken a huge swipe at the Russian President, claiming he has made several huge mistakes with his invasion – including underestimating NATO’s ability to support Ukraine.He said outside 10 Downing Street: “President Putin made several huge mistakes when he invaded Ukraine, strategic mistakes,” the Nato chief told media outside No 10.”One was to underestimate the Ukrainians – their courage, their commitment to fight and protect their country.”The other mistake he made was to underestimate Nato allies, partners, in our ability to support Ukraine.”What we have seen is that Nato allies and partners have provided unprecedented support to Ukraine.”And what we see when you look at the opinion polls, the political messages from different Nato allied countries, is that we are ready to continue to provide support for as long as it takes.” NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg launched a furious attack against Vladimir Putin (Image: GETTY) 14 hours ago17:29 Paul WithersSpeaking to the media outside 10 Downing Street, Jens Stoltenberg said he “praised the Prime Minister for the strong support that the United Kingdom provides to Ukraine”.He said: “This morning I visited one of the training sites for Ukrainian soldiers here in the United Kingdom, and I saw the brave young Ukrainian soldiers being trained by British trainers, but also trainers from Canada, from Lithuania, from other Nato allied countries, proving how the United Kingdom plays a key role in leading our efforts in providing support to Ukraine.The NATO chief said the UK had done this for “many years”, training close to 30,000 Ukrainian solders, commenting: “The message is that we need to continue to support Ukraine.”Mr Stoltenberg added: “If President Putin wins in Ukraine, it will be disastrous for Ukrainians, but it will also make us more vulnerable – because then the message (from) President Putin to other authoritarian leaders will be that they can get their way.” 14 hours ago17:25 Paul WithersThe Prime Minister has told Jens Stoltenberg: “It’s wonderful to welcome you to the UK but also to Downing Street. Thank you for being here.”You’ll know that the Nato alliance is a cornerstone of the UK’s security, we’re proud to be the second-largest contributor, and we remain extremely committed to the alliance.”I also know under your leadership that Nato will continue to evolve to face the new threats that we’re all seeing, and (we will) of course work with you and other allies to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.” Jens Stoltenberg and Rishi Sunak held talks at 10 Downing Street (Image: GETTY) 16 hours ago15:38 Liam DoyleKyiv has claimed a significant victory today after Russia reportedly decides to withdraw troops from Kherson.General Sergei Surovikin, who possesses overall command of the war, recommended the move to Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu in a televised briefing.He said: ‘Kherson cannot be fully supplied and function. Russia did everything possible to ensure the evacuation of the inhabitants of Kherson.’He added: ‘The decision to defend on the left bank of the Dnieper is not easy, at the same time we will save the lives of our military.”Kherson was one of several cities annexed by the Kremlin earlier this year and officially made part of Russia following disputed referenda.The withdrawal would allow Kyiv to claim victory in a major objective as troops fall back from the west bank of the Dnipro.Victory in Kherson is one of the southern offensive’s primary objectives in the wider war effort. General Sergei Surovikin recommended the move (Image: GETTY) 20 hours ago11:45 Tara FairRussia is “losing slowly” in the war against Ukraine, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told Ukrainian troops training with British forces on Wednesday.Mr Wallace was visiting the soldiers – who are training at Lydd Army Camp in Kent as part of Operation Interflex – with Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (Image: GETTY) 20 hours ago11:15 Tara FairThe Kremlin said on Wednesday that Moscow’s ties with Washington were likely to remain at rock bottom regardless of the results of US midterm elections, with relations at a historic low over the conflict in Ukraine.Dmitry Peskov said: “These elections won’t have any significant impact.”Our existing ties are bad and they will remain bad.”US President Joe Biden, who has been a key ally to Ukraine and provided weapons and financial backing, could be constrained in his support for Ukraine if Republicans win majorities in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Kremlin ties with US will remain ‘bad’ after midterm elections (Image: GETTY) 21 hours ago10:48 Tara FairEastern European countries are preparing to reopen reception centers and are restocking food supplies in anticipation of a possible fresh surge in Ukrainian refugees as winter looms and Russia targets Ukraine’s power grid and heating plants.Data from the UN refugee agency UNHCR shows that some 6.9 million people are believed displaced internally within Ukraine, and 4.5 million Ukrainian refugees are currently registered under various protection schemes across Europe, many of them in the EU states bordering Ukraine – Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and Romania.Slovakia’s contingency plan reckons as many as 700,000 people could cross onto its territory over three months due to tumbling temperatures and continued heavy fighting in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Some 6.9 million people are believed to be displaced internally within Ukraine (Image: GETTY) Around 4.5 million Ukrainian refugees are currently registered in Europe (Image: GETTY) 21 hours ago10:31 Tara FairVladimir Putin has been dealt another hammer blow as it was reported more than 700 Russian soldiers were killed in the past day. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed forces reported 780 soldiers were killed in the past day, bringing the estimated total of Russian deaths to 77,950 since the invasion began on February 24. Russia’s total combat losses also include:2,801 tanks (+15 over the past day)5,666 armored combat vehicles (12)1,802 artillery systems (+11)393 multiple launch rocket systems (+2)205 defense systems (+2)278 warplanes260 helicopters (+0)4,227 motor vehicles and fuel tanks (+11)16 warships/cutters1,483 unmanned aerial vehicles (+7)159 special equipment unitsAnd 399 enemy cruise missiles shot downu0417u0430u0433u0430u043bu044cu043du0456 u0431u043eu0439u043eu0432u0456 u0432u0442u0440u0430u0442u0438 u043fu0440u043eu0442u0438u0432u043du0438u043au0430 u0437 24.02 u043fu043e 09.11 u043eu0440u0456u0454u043du0442u043eu0432u043du043e u0441u043au043bu0430u043bu0438 / The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02 to 09.11 were approximately: pic.twitter.com/y0nhZf2Rsqu2014 u0413u0435u043du0435u0440u0430u043bu044cu043du0438u0439 u0448u0442u0430u0431 u0417u0421u0423 (@GeneralStaffUA) November 9, 2022 21 hours ago10:00 Tara FairBelow is a map detailing the latest developments for Russian and Ukrainian forces in terms of terrain, courtesy of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). 22 hours ago09:31 Tara FairUnits of attack drone operators as part of the border troops are being formed in the Republic of Belarus, according to Ukrainian intelligence. According to the General Staff, Russian forces are trying to hold the temporarily captured territories, focusing their efforts on attempts to disrupt the actions of the Defense Forces in certain directions, and are conducting offensive operations in the Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Novopavlivka directions.The General Staff said: “The Republic of Belarus continues to support the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, providing it with infrastructure, territory and airspace.”The formation of the Russian-Belarusian troops in the territory of the Republic of Belarus continues.”According to preliminary information, soldiers of the 38th separate guard assault brigade of the armed forces of the Republic of Belarus as “brotherly” aid purchased.”In the warehouse of the border troops of the Republic of Belarus, units of the operators of strike bpla are created.”Law enforcement authorities of the Republic of Belarus have intensified measures to search, identify and detain citizens with a pro-Ukrainian position or those who criticize the government or the so-called special military operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.” 22 hours ago09:00 Tara FairRussian forces shelled Zaporizhzhia more than 80 times on Tuesday, Ukrainian authorities have reported. Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, Kyrylo Tymoshenko said: “Russian non-humans shelled Zaporizhzhia region more than 80 times during the past day.”They targeted civil infrastructure facilities 49 times in 17 settlements.”Two people were injured during the shelling, a number which could rise as the damage is assessed.  23 hours ago08:31 Tara FairRussian efforts to repair the Crimean Bridge are likely to stretch into late next year,