Russian exit from Kherson triggers Kremlin split

This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). 

In Russia, the split between pro-military activists and Putin is deepening due to the Russian troops' withdrawal from Kherson.  According to military analysts, even pro-Putin propagandists (for example, such as Vladimir Solovyov) increasingly demand from the Kremlin and the top military command full commitment to the achievement of previously stated goals in Ukraine.

Since Putin now needs to maintain support, he - according to the Institute for the Study of War - probably ordered some of his propagandists to suppress any criticism of the Russian withdrawal from Kherson. But the attractiveness of the Russian president among extreme Russian nationalists has begun to decrease due to recent events in Ukraine.

Analysts also noted that Russian officials approve of the forced deportation of children from the occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia. In particular, the Russian forces made a statement about the planned deportation of more than 40,000 children from the Kherson region to Russia. At the same time, the Russians themselves recognize that the care of Ukrainian children is inappropriate.

So, the main key takeaways of the Institute for the Study of War as of November 12 are as follows:

Russia’s withdrawal from Kherson City is igniting an ideological fracture between pro-war figures and Russian President Vladimir Putin, eroding confidence in Putin’s commitment to and ability to deliver on his war promises.

Russian officials are increasingly normalizing the public and likely illegal deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia.

The Russian military leadership is trying and failing to integrate ad hoc military formations into a more cohesive fighting force in Ukraine.

Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive operations in the direction of Kreminna and Svatove.

Ukrainian forces continued to liberate settlements on the right (western) bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.

Russian forces continued offensive operations in the direction of Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Vuhledar.

Russian officials may be trying to avoid providing military personnel with promised payments.

Russian forces and occupation officials continue to endanger residents and subject them to coercive measures.

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