Russia’s Defense Ministry initially announced a partial withdrawal of troops from southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, specifically mentioning a “regrouping” to the left bank of the Dnipro River. The statement, disseminated through state-run news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti, suggested a shift in military positioning.
The Russian military, as reported, stated that after assessing the situation, the Dnipro grouping decided to relocate its troops to more advantageous positions east of the Dnipro River. The intention was to release some forces for offensive purposes after the regrouping.
However, within minutes of publication, the announcement mysteriously disappeared from the TASS and RIA Novosti’s social media pages. TASS later claimed that the story was “annulled” because it was “published mistakenly.” RIA Novosti made no mention of the removal. The conflicting reports and subsequent retraction contribute to the uncertainty surrounding Russia’s military actions and intentions in the region.
“The distribution of a false report about the ‘regrouping’ of troops near Dnipro allegedly on behalf of the Russian Defense Ministry’s press center is a provocation,” Russia’s RBC business news website reported, citing the Defense Ministry. Defense Ministry initially announced
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov chose not to comment on the retracted withdrawal announcement by redirecting reporters’ questions to the Defense Ministry. The Ukraine National Resistance Center, in response to the reports of Russian forces “regrouping,” labeled it an “information operation” against Kyiv, stating that they had no information about any movements by enemy fighters.
The term “regrouping” has been previously used by the Russian military to describe what essentially amounts to a battlefield retreat, as witnessed in the complete withdrawal from the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson in November of the previous year.
On Friday, Moscow claimed to have thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to establish a bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnipro River. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War suggested on Sunday that Russian units on the left bank of the Dnipro River were likely engaged in defending against larger-than-usual Ukrainian operations.
Despite Kyiv launching a major counteroffensive in the south and east in June, the front line has seen minimal movement, with both sides continuously engaging in heavy weaponry bombardments. The situation remains tense and fluid, with conflicting reports adding to the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing conflict.