Day 238: New Russian Commander in Ukraine Announces Kherson Evacuations Amid 'Tense' Situation in Region

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Image copyright: AP Photos [via The Guardian]

The Facts

  • In his first televised comments since being appointed the new commander of Russia's forces in Ukraine, Gen. Sergei Surovikin on Tuesday stated that his troops would assist in evacuating residents of the Kherson region. The announcement comes amid growing suspicion that Ukrainian forces are poised to launch a counterattack in an attempt to retake the territory.

  • Surovikin described the current military situation as "tense," stating: "The enemy continually attempts to attack the positions of Russian troops." He added: "Further actions and plans regarding the city of Kherson will depend on the developing military-tactical situation, which is not easy. We will act consciously, in a timely manner, without ruling out difficult decisions."

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The Spin

Anti-Russia narrative

Amid the prospect of further humiliation and defeat at the hands of the Ukrainian military, Russia is now planning to forcibly deport the residents of Kherson. This is an illegal and desperate attempt to cement Moscow's shaky territorial gains by repopulating the region with soldiers and traitors.

UKRINFORM

Pro-Russia narrative

These are voluntary evacuations intended to protect the residents of Kherson from Ukrainian attacks. Kyiv's missile strikes on the Kakhovka hyropower plant have already put the region at serious risk of flooding - Russian forces are now aiding humanitarian interests by offering evacuation free of charge.

TASS

Metaculus Prediction

Go Deeper

Day 240 Roundup: Conflicting Reports of Attacks on Kherson Dam; 4 Killed in Ukrainian Ferry Crossing Strike
Day 240 Roundup: Conflicting Reports of Attacks on Kherson Dam; 4 Killed in Ukrainian Ferry Crossing Strike
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Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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