Kherson celebrates as Ukrainian soldiers reach centre after Russian retreat

Ukrainian soldiers have been warmly welcomed to Kherson city amid jubilant scenes marking the end of more than eight months of Russian occupation. Troops have been greeted by residents waiting near the city’s Garrison pub in the Korabelnyi district, in the most important Ukrainian victory since its defence of Kyiv in March. Pictures of Ukrainian flags being raised in the centre of the city are being posted on social media a month after Vladimir Putin claimed sovereignty over the Kherson region in southern Ukraine. Ukrainian ministerial adviser Anton Gerashchenko has quoted local journalist Kostiantyn Ryzhenko, who wrote: “Resistance movement sends its regards. Slava Ukraini. The picture is current.“ The Kremlin insisted Kherson was still part of Russia after announcing it had withdrawn all its troops and equipment from the city in the early hours of Friday. Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now: Get the latest headlines: and are websites of The Telegraph, the UK’s best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.