Ukrainian City of Kherson Falls to Russian Invaders

Freedom Square in Kherson, Ukraine

According to Russian military officials, one of Ukraine’s regional capital cities, Kherson, has fallen under Russian control.

Russian General and spokesman for Russian’s Defense Ministry, Igor Konashenkov, released the statement “The Russian divisions of the armed forces have taken the regional center of Kherson under full control.”

Kherson has fallen to the Russian military, becoming the first major Ukrainian city to come under Russian control since the invasion last week. The mayor, Igor Kolykhaev, told me he met today with the Russian commander who plans to set up a military administration.

— Michael Schwirtz (@mschwirtz) March 2, 2022

Mayor Nikolayev added that although he is still exploring ways to secure the city’s dead and repair infrastructure and utilities, Kherson remains under Ukrainian control. Nikolayev warned, “To complete these tasks today means to perform a miracle.”

In spite of Mayor Nikolayev’s claim of sustained independence, it was reported that he met with Russian military commanders who intend to establish a Russian military administration in the city.

Unconfirmed reports in Kherson

The situation is developing, yet reports of alleged Russian activity in area have flooded social media. People claiming to live in the city have said the city’s electricity has been turned off.

Furthermore, some claim Russian forces are setting a large amount of boobytraps near the city center. Videos have emerged, but the validity is extremely difficult to discern through the chaos.

For example, this recently posted video claims, “The Russian convoy advancing in Kherson was destroyed by BayraktarTB2 of the Ukrainian army.”

Herson'da ilerleyen Rus konvoyu, Ukrayna ordusuna ait #BayraktarTB2 ile imha edildi. pic.twitter.com/tTBJJCfd2o

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 3, 2022