Putin Issues Ominous Warning About Major Attack on Key Ukrainian City
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that civilians in Kherson must be "removed" from the city as a battle for it could be coming soon.
"Now, of course, those who live in Kherson must be removed from the zone of the most dangerous actions," the Russian leader said, adding that citizens "must not suffer" from attacks in the city, according to The Moscow Times.
Putin's comments come as Russian troops have reportedly abandoned checkpoints in the occupied Ukrainian region of Kherson in recent days. In addition, Russian flags have been removed from the administration building in Kherson, as well as a city council building, according to reports.
However, the Ukrainian military has said that Russia's withdrawal from the area could be a tactic to catch them off guard.
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NEWSRUSSIA-UKRAINE WARVLADIMIR PUTINRUSSIAN MILITARYRUSSIA
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that civilians in Kherson must be "removed" from the city as a battle for it could be coming soon.
"Now, of course, those who live in Kherson must be removed from the zone of the most dangerous actions," the Russian leader said, adding that citizens "must not suffer" from attacks in the city, according to The Moscow Times.
Putin's comments come as Russian troops have reportedly abandoned checkpoints in the occupied Ukrainian region of Kherson in recent days. In addition, Russian flags have been removed from the administration building in Kherson, as well as a city council building, according to reports.
However, the Ukrainian military has said that Russia's withdrawal from the area could be a tactic to catch them off guard.
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Above, Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a press conference on October 31 in Sochi, Russia. The Russian leader said civilians in Kherson must be "removed" as a battle for the city could be in the offing.CONTRIBUTOR
"It could be a provocation to give the impression that the settlements are abandoned, that it is safe to enter them," Ukraine military spokesperson Natalia Gumenyuk said, according to The Moscow Times.