More than half of russian forces stationed on the right bank of Dnipro river before russian command decided to withdraw from the stronghold are still there, Defense Intelligence of Ukraine informs. The statement contradicts the russian claim that all the forces were evacuated from the west of Dnipro to fortified positions of the other bank.
"To the left bank, the entire personnel, weaponry and military equipment has been removed," said russian defense ministry’s spokesperson Igor Konashenkov in a report published November 11.
Read more: russian Occupiers Continue Destroy Kherson Infrastructure - They Blew up Next Several Objects
But the Ukrainian side says most of the russian grouping still remains on the territories now controlled by Ukraine. It means not only administrative but also fire control of the routes of retreat.
On November 11 morning, as Ukrainian military was entering the region’s capital – the city of Kherson, Defense Intelligence published an appeal to russian military servicemen urging them to surrender into captivity and promising adherence to Geneva Conventions:
"As expected, after retreat of the main group of russian army forces from Ukrainian Kherson, your command left you to your fate. Your commanders are calling on you to change into civilian clothing and try and run from Kherson on your own. <...> Routes of retreat of russian occupiers are under full fire control of the Ukrainian army. All the attempts to oppose the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be thwarted."
The other day, commenting on the issue to The Guardian, deputy military intelligence chief Vadym Skibitsky assessed the number of russian servicemen on the surrounded right bank stronghold as of November 10 was about 20,000 troops.
"The most recent information we have is, the 4th Tactical Military Base has supposedly been transferred to the left bank. The rest are still there, fighting, conducting military activities with the aim of providing cover for others to leave," added Skibitsky.
Though we should note how rapidly the situation evolves, because just yesterday the intelligence official was not sure whether the russians would choose to defend or leave Kherson, and today first units of the Ukrainian Special Forces entered the city. That is why the exact number of russians still remaining on the hostile territory without a way back is unknown.
Read more: Ukrainian Forces' C-in-C States Ukraine's Troops Keep Conducting Offensive Operations While General Staff Says There Is No ‘Green Corridor’ to Withdraw russia’s Troops From Kherson
