Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, warns that any Russians remaining in the Kherson Oblast should immediately surrender to Ukrainian captivity. This is the only chance for Russian “occupiers” to save their own lives.

On November 11th Ukrainian counter-offensive forces approached the city of Kherson from two directions. And were able to gain control of the recent Moscow “annexed area” that had been occupied for almost 6 months by Russian forces.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced that Kherson was under the control of Ukraine. The Armed Forces of Ukraine were entering the city. Retreat routes for Russian forces largely blocked. Bridges had been blown. And retreating Russians are under fire by the Ukrainian army.

Sergei Surovikin, Commander-in-Chief of Russia’s occupying forces in Ukraine, announced on November 9th that all Russian troops would be leaving the Kherson region. Kherson city has been the center for Russian military operations and a key part of their supply lines.

As Ukraine moved into the previously occupied areas, they discovered large stores of ammunition. And several Russian tanks and combat vehicles. 

In Kherson the utilities and infrastructure has been devastated by the Russians. And all the museums and cultural centers have been stripped of art and Ukrainian antiquities and sent to Russia.

Zelensky urges surrender to Ukrainian captivity

In a video statement Zelensky asked for the surrender of all “Russian soldiers, mercenaries and collaborators who were left behind in Kherson and other cities of the south. The only chance for salvation for you is to surrender to Ukrainian captivity.”

“We guarantee that you will be treated in accordance with the law and international standards. And to those Russian soldiers who have put on civilian clothes and are hiding somewhere I want to say that there is no point in hiding. We'll find you anyway. Don't drag it out. Being taken to Ukrainian captivity is the only option for all occupiers" he added.