Kherson exit brings ‘significant reputational damage’ to Russia

Ukrainians gather in central Kyiv to celebrate Russia’s departure from Kherson (Bernat Armangue/AP)

Russia’s withdrawal from a regional capital in the south of Ukraine brings “significant reputational damage”, British defence experts have said.

Intelligence analysts believe Moscow’s exit from Kherson, a strategically key city, likely began as early as October 22 when Russian-installed figures urged civilians to leave.