In view of the Ukrainian advance, the Russian military administration in occupied Cherson wants to recruit the remaining men for a paramilitary homeland guard.

"All men who stayed in Kherson of their own free will have the opportunity to join the ranks of the territorial defense," the administration said on Monday on its Telegram channel. At the same time, the occupiers are urging civilians in the region to flee.

In recent weeks, the situation of Russian troops in the Kherson region has deteriorated significantly - especially on the north-west bank of the Dnipro. The supplies have almost come to a standstill due to the Ukrainian shelling of the bridges. During an offensive in early October, the Ukrainians were able to gain significant territory. Under these circumstances, the military administration says it has already sent around 25,000 civilians from the region.

The commander of the Russian troops in Ukraine, Sergei Surovikin, also announced "difficult decisions", which observers interpret as an indication of a planned withdrawal. At the same time, information is accumulating that Russian troops have removed valuables and important documents from the city of Kherson. Reports that officers have already been moved to the rear room cannot be independently confirmed. The Russian leadership, which only officially annexed the Cherson region in September, denies withdrawal plans.