Kyiv Wary of Potential Russian Retreat from Southern Ukraine

Kyiv Wary of Potential Russian Retreat from Southern Ukraine

Kyiv Wary of Potential , Russian Retreat, from Southern Ukraine.

On November 3, a Russian-installed occupation official said that troops were likely to be pulled from the western bank of the Dnipro River.

Reuters reports that the announcement signals a huge retreat and potentially a major turning point in the war.

Despite the announcement, fighting continues in the area and Ukrainian officials have suggested that Moscow is laying a trap by feigning a retreat.

Despite the announcement, fighting continues in the area and Ukrainian officials have suggested that Moscow is laying a trap by feigning a retreat.

This could be a manifestation of a particular provocation, in order to create the impression that the settlements are abandoned, that it is safe to enter them, while they are preparing for street battles, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for Ukraine's southern military command, via Reuters.

We continue fighting, also in the Kherson direction, despite the fact that the enemy is trying to convince us that they are leaving the settlements and creating the effect of a total evacuation, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for Ukraine's southern military command, via Reuters.

We continue fighting, also in the Kherson direction, despite the fact that the enemy is trying to convince us that they are leaving the settlements and creating the effect of a total evacuation, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for Ukraine's southern military command, via Reuters.

The area includes Kherson city, which is the only major city Russia has captured intact since the invasion began in February.

The area also includes a massive dam that controls the water supply to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

Last week, Reuters reported that Ukrainian troops on the front line say they have seen no evidence of a Russian withdrawal.

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According to Michael Kofman, a U.S. expert on the Russian military, Russia's intentions in the region remain unclear.

Reuters reports that Kofman said he doubts that Moscow would abandon the region "without being forcibly pressed out."