Ukraine’s Advances Force Tough Decisions for Russian Troops

Russian General Sergei Surovikin, the recently appointed commander of forces in Ukraine, described the military situation in Kherson as “tense” during his first televised interview. He acknowledged ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensives, which have reclaimed 450 square miles of territory since late August, and hinted at possible “difficult decisions” ahead for Russian troops in the region.

As the pressure mounts, Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-installed leader of Kherson, announced that civilians were being “evacuated” in anticipation of a “large-scale offensive” by Ukrainian forces. Surovikin noted that the enemy “continually attempts to attack Russian positions,” making the situation around Kherson particularly challenging.

These developments come amid intensified Ukrainian counter-assaults and Russia’s broader struggle to maintain control over occupied territories.