In Kherson, Hidden Dangers Likely Await Advancing Ukraine Forces

Ukrainian forces are warily advancing towards the occupied city of Kherson, after Russia's defense minister publicly announced a retreat. Yet the prospect of messy urban warfare looms large.

A liberation of Kherson—the only provincial capital seized by Russian troops since the invasion began in February—will be a major blow to the Kremlin, which has failed for months to seize back momentum.

But the strategic importance of the city raises the prospect that Russian troops will not leave quietly. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said troops would proceed "very carefully," while presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak said Kyiv saw "no signs" of Russian departure, and warned that Moscow's forces plan "to turn Kherson into a 'city of death.'"

An American volunteer helping Ukrainian resistance told Newsweek from close to the frontline that forces expect a wide range of Russian tricks as they move into Kherson.