Russians leave advanced positions in Kiselivka, 15 km from Kherson - ISW

The Institute for the Study of War reports.

According to American analysts, the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continues to have a significant impact on Russia's morale and military potential in Southern Ukraine. Satellite images of Russian positions in Kiselyvka, 15 km northwest of Kherson, show that all but four Russian vehicles have moved away from their previous advanced positions, which is consistent with rumors that mercenaries from the "Donetsk People’s Republic" have left Kiselyvka and retreated towards the Dnipro river.

Kiselivka is an operationally important location for Russian forces around Kherson, as it is the last major settlement along the E58 highway and railway line between the current Ukrainian positions and Chornobayivka, near Kherson.

"The withdrawal of troops from this position may jeopardize the ability of the Russians to protect the northwestern outskirts of the city of Kherson and indicates that the Russian troops in this area feel an immediate threat to their positions," ISW believes.

Experts also draw attention to the fact that on September 12,bNataliya Humenyuk, the spokeswoman of the OC "South", said that the Russian troops located on the right bank of the Dnipro river in the Kherson region try to negotiate a surrender.