The Russian government on Thursday announced the start of a series of «preparatory» military maneuvers on the western bank of the Dnieper River, which runs from Russian territory through Belarus to Ukraine.
Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said that military units «are already preparing» in the Mikolaiv area «according to the established plan,» Interfax news agency reported.
Thus, the Russian authorities are preparing to carry out defense work in the Kherson region after the authorities announced the withdrawal of their troops in the framework of the invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier this week, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the conduct of the maneuvers and indicated that units would be formed to «occupy the defense lines on the western side of the river.»
«Our actions regarding Kherson will depend on the tactical military situation, which is very complicated. We will act conscientiously, appropriately and at the right time,» said Sergei Surovikin, general of the Armed Forces.
On Wednesday, Shoigu himself instructed Surovikin to organize the withdrawal of troops and implement the necessary measures to ensure the safe transfer of personnel, weapons and equipment across the river.
