Ukrainian forces have entered the centre of the southern city of Kherson after Russia’s retreat to the west side of the Dnipro River was completed. They were met by jubilant crowds who greeted soldiers as they arrived in the city for the first time since Russia captured it on 2 March. The Ukrainians claimed 41 settlements as they advanced towards the city, the capital of the wider province.
The Ukrainian flag is now being flown outside the regional administration headquarters in Svobody Square, where protests have taken place in recent months. Another flag has been raised at the headquarters of the police in the city.
A Ukrainian defence official told the BBC that its forces were in almost complete control of the city, as searches take place to find any Russian soldiers left behind in the evacuation.
