Russian officials assert they are attempting to evacuate all residents from the city, which is the target of a strong Ukrainian counteroffensive. One resident, though, told that the evacuation is not intended for them.
Fear is a potent motivator, and it is causing many to flee the Ukrainian city of Kherson.
Thousands have fled the city by ferrying across the massive Dnipro River as Ukrainian troops close in.
Kherson was the first major Ukrainian city to fall to Vladimir Putin’s army when the invasion began in February, and its return would be a significant victory for the Ukrainians.
People in Kherson have seen boarding boats from the city’s piers while dragging their luggage and suitcases quickly after them.
However, who are these evacuees exactly? Officials from Russia claim they are attempting to evacuate all people, threatening Ukrainian shelling and “terrorist assaults.”
One inhabitant of Kherson told that the evacuation is not intended for them.
“This is not an evacuation of civilians. The collaborators and others who came to assist the occupiers are fleeing,” stated Vlad, a local writer, activist, and organizer whose full name is not given.
In reality, [those fleeing] do not exceed a few thousand every day.
Who are the individuals they are expelling?
“Most of the families of Russian officers, Russian officials, and collaborators participated in the referendum’s organization. Teachers and physicians, municipal employees, and kindergarten personnel are included.
Those who own Russian passports.
Young Russian forces are approaching.
According to our informant, Russian kindergarten employees were brought in to help administer a fraudulent poll before Russia invades the Kherson region.
Young and inexperienced Russian troops have recently arrived in the city, though.
“I believe that, as a result of the [Russian] mobilization, we can observe fresh-uniformed soldiers entering Kherson. They are spotless, untainted, and extremely young. Many of them wear glasses, indicating that they are students and not professional warriors.”
Will the Russians attempt to defend the western bank of the Dnipro River, which includes the city of Kherson? This question is the subject of considerable speculation.
‘Everything stolen’
General Sergei Surovikin appeared to imply the possibility of a pullout when he described the situation in Kherson as “tough” to an interviewer.
Our interviewee is simply uncertain.
He stated, “I don’t believe anyone knows, not even the Russian military.” However, the widespread plundering of this city cannot be called into question
Everything has been stolen. According to our interviewee, everything has been lifted, both major and tiny.
“Over the past few days, we’ve witnessed them steal fire trucks, ambulances, and equipment from the cancer clinic and the regional hospital, as well as anything of great value. They promptly seize it, load it into cars, and transport it to Crimea. It is the theft of an entire city.”
He acknowledged that many are concerned about a large upstream dam located in Nova Kakhovka.
Russia and Ukraine have both accused the other of conspiring to destroy it. Our informant stated that the Russians are unlikely to benefit from the dismantling of the dam.
“The water will flow south, where Russian forces are stationed. It is possible, but it would imply that they would flood themselves… But they have phases where they would rather drown their people than surrender.”
Vlad predicts that the upcoming days and weeks will be unpleasant. For the time being, the city’s liberation will not come easily.
It is very terrifying.
