Ukraine warned Russia will ‘wipe Kherson off the face of the earth’

Russia has ordered its troops to retreat from the Ukrainian city of Kherson, marking yet another humiliating setback for President Vladimir Putin and his military. The invading troops will likely cross the Dnieper river and give up the city which has been touted by experts as a crucial location for the outcome of the war. Ukrainian forces remain weary of Moscow’s surrender, with some in Kyiv fearing it could be a ploy. The move came just as Ukraine’s men were advancing towards Kherson, many bracing for a big battle.Kherson is a crucial city because of its location, placed near the mouth of the Black Sea and on the Dnieper River, previously an industry hub until the war commenced in February.For months, reports have suggested that Ukraine has been preparing an attack to reclaim the city, and experts have analysed what a Russian retreat would mean for Putin’s war.Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhadanov told Al Jazeera last month that losing Kherson would be extremely damaging for the Russian military. He said: ‘The loss of Kherson will turn all those southern dreams by the Kremlin into dust.’Kherson is a key to the entire southern region, which would allow Ukraine to target key supply routes for the Russian forces. Russians will try to retain control of it using all means. Putin’s troops are leaving Kherson (Image: Getty) Kherson has been occupied since March (Image: Getty) Russian soldiers have struggled since the invasion started (Image: Getty)He concluded: ‘The Russians want to show that a Ukrainian counteroffensive will face a tough response by the Kremlin that declared the region as part of Russia, and it’s scary to even think what that response could be.”The retreat from Kherson has coincided with the death of Kirill Stremousov – the man Putin installed as a deputy head of the region. On Wednesday, the state-owned TASS news agency confirmed he had died.Vladimir Saldo, the leader of the occupation administration in Kherson, said that Stremusov had been killed in a traffic accident.DON’T MISSWives of Russian conscripts erupt in furious clash with official [INSIGHT]Kyiv tipped to declare victory ‘by summer’ after Kherson retreat [ANALYSIS]Putin warned of civil war within Kremlin as replacement climbs ranks [INSIGHT] Kirill Stremousov died this week in a traffic accident, according to an official (Image: Getty)In recent months, Stremusov had become well-known for posting video updates from the frontline. Ukrainian groups have previously tried to assassinate officials who have worked with the Russians to annex territory, according to the Telegraph.Now, it appears that Putin could be concerned for his safety after the Kherson retreat, and one of his supporters, political scientist Sergey Markov, has claimed the Russian President is fearful that he could be assassinated.Mr Markov made the claim as Putin decided to not attend the G20 summit in Bali. He said: ‘The reasons as to why Putin is not going to G20 are serious. There is a big possibility of an assassination attempt on Putin from the special services of the US, Britain and Ukraine.’