Ukrainian civilians raise flag in Kherson as Russia retreats: Reports

Ukrainian civilians in Kherson raised the country's flag in celebration Friday as Russian troops retreated from the city for the first time since Russia launched its invasion eight months ago, according to multiple media reports.

Unconfirmed images of the celebration quickly circulated on social media, showing civilians flooding into the city's central square and raising the flag on top of the Kherson city administration building and the police headquarters. The images have been geolocated by CNN, the outlet reported.

Russian and Ukrainian defense officials have confirmed the withdrawal, with Russian officials stating their troops had been relocated to the east bank of the Dnipro River along with all weapons and equipment. The lone bridge across the river has been destroyed, according to a Telegram post.

"Kherson is returning under Ukrainian control and the Ukrainian military is entering the city," Ukraine's defense intelligence agency wrote in a Facebook post.