Russian forces likely preparing for battles in Kherson - British intelligence

Russian troops are likely anticipating combat extending to the city of Kherson, since the occupation authorities have ordered preparation for the evacuation of some civilians from the city.

According to Ukrinform, the UK Ministry of Defense said this in an intelligence update on Thursday.

After retreating around 20km in the north of the Kherson sector in early October, Russian forces are likely attempting to consolidate a new front line west from the village of Mylove in Kherson region, the British intelligence said.

It is noted that heavy fighting continues along this line, especially at the western end where Ukrainian advances mean Russia’s flank is no longer protected by the Inhulets River. Most of the Russia troops on this front line remain understrength VDV (airborne) units.

“In recent days, the Russian occupation authorities have likely ordered preparation for the evacuation of some civilians from Kherson. It is likely that they anticipate combat extending to the city of Kherson itself,” the report reads.

As reported by Ukrinform, Serhiy Khlan, a member of the Kherson Regional Council, said that the Russian invaders were preventing the residents of the occupied areas of Kherson region from leaving these areas for the territories controlled by Ukraine, and were planning to deport them to the occupied Crimea and the Russian Federation.

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