Ukrainians dance in Kherson's streets at the end of Russia's months-long occupation

Hanna Malyar, Ukraine's deputy defense minister (center), signs a Ukrainian flag belonging to a local resident in Kherson on Monday. "Ukraine's success depends on two points," Malyar told NPR. "First our strength, our ability to fight. And second, the weapons that we receive from our partners," referring to the United States and other Western nations. (Jason Beaubien/NPR)

KHERSON, Ukraine — Since Russian troops pulled out of Kherson last week, the city's Liberty Square has taken on a carnival atmosphere.

Residents now regularly converge on the main square to celebrate the end of more than 8 1/2 months of Russian occupation. People draped in yellow-and-blue Ukrainian flags dance, chant and sing patriotic songs. Children and grownups are giddy.