Visiting the city, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the liberation of Kherson marked the “beginning of the end” of the war with Russia.
He assured the soldiers that Ukraine is “going forward” and ready for peace.
Losing the city in the south was a significant blow for Russia, despite Moscow’s insistence that it remains Russian territory.
Russia declared it the capital of the unlawfully seized Kherson region, and it was the only regional capital occupied following the invasion.
After weeks of the invasion, Kherson was taken in March. In September, four regions were illegally annexed following self-proclaimed referendums.
Vladimir Putin stated at a ceremony in Moscow that the annexation of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson was “non-negotiable.” Russia continues to occupy the 2014-seized Ukrainian cities of Donetsk and Luhansk.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has advanced towards Kherson in the south of the nation, increasing the pressure on Russian forces.
Russian forces retreated from the city last week, and Ukrainian forces invaded on Friday.
Locals were observed celebrating, with some reunited with loved ones after months apart. Jeremy Bowen observed that the attitude in the city was one of elation and relief, but also apprehension.
During his visit on Monday, Mr. Zelensky sang the national hymn of Ukraine as the nation’s flag was raised over the principal administrative building.
According to Reuters, he addressed the troops that Ukraine is “ready for peace, peace for all of our country.”
He thanked NATO and other partners for their support and added that the United States’ high mobility artillery rocket systems (Himars) had made a significant difference.
The president also addressed a throng in the city’s main square, where some individuals waved or carried Ukrainian flags draped over their shoulders.
When asked where Ukrainian forces would next advance, he responded: “Not Moscow… We have no interest in another nation’s territories.”
The president reportedly quipped that he came to Kherson because he “wanted a watermelon,” referring to the locally cultivated fruit that has become a prominent symbol of Ukrainian resistance.
Kherson is a part of Russia, the Kremlin stated in response to Mr. Zelensky’s visit.
This land is a part of the Russian Federation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding, “We have no remark.”
Alexander Grushko, deputy foreign minister, stated that Russia would not agree to a troop withdrawal as a condition for peace talks.
On Monday, he was quoted by the Russian news outlet Interfax as saying, “Such situations are untenable.”
“Our president has stated numerous times that we are open to negotiations. However, these discussions should undoubtedly take into account the situation on the ground.”
Earlier, Mr. Zelensky stated that investigators had discovered approximately 400 war crimes in areas of Kherson abandoned by retreating Russian forces.
Moscow has denied that its troops purposefully attack civilians.
