Russia completes evacuation of residents from Kherson, heavy battle expected against Ukrainian forces

At least 70 thousand civilians are said to have crossed the Dniper River, in what Ukraine has called deposits, the BBC writes, records Periscopi.

“We are preparing Jefferson for protection. We are removing the civilian population, releasing our hands”, said Russian military commander Alexander Khodavsky.

The “Work in organising the deportation of residents has been completed”, he announced. The invading authorities said these residents were transported to Russia's “safe regions”, which include other areas of Ukraine under Russian control, but also in Russia itself.

Kherson's southern Ukrainian region was one of four Ukrainian areas annexed by Vladimir Putin last month, despite Russia having no complete control in either of these regions.

The city of Kherson was caught fast after the Russian invasion at the end of February, but in recent weeks Ukrainian forces have quickly restored territories to the west and to the right side of the Dniper River valley. The front line is 20 miles [30 km] from the city, according to Ukrainian officials.

Deporting or sending civilians from an invading power inside or outside occupied territory is considered a war crime. /Periscopi/