Why Ukraine Is Suspicious Over Russia's Kherson Withdrawal

Ukraine remains skeptical of Russia's intentions following reports that Vladimir Putin's troops would be leaving Kherson to bolster their forces on the eastern banks of the Dnieper River.

Kherson has been one of the major Ukrainian cities that Russian forces have been able to hold since the invasion began.

The Russian-installed deputy civilian administrator of the Kherson region, Kirill Stremousov, said Russian troops would try and regroup on the eastern side of the Dnieper River, according to an NBC News report from November 3.

"Most likely, our units, our soldiers, will leave for the left (eastern) bank," Stremousov said during an interview with pro-Kremlin online media outlet Solovyov Live.

He added that civilians remaining in the city should leave to ensure they are out of danger.

However, his comments have sparked confusion among Ukrainians who have suggested this open discussion of a withdrawal could prove to be a trap.

Stremousov did not give a timeline of any withdrawal and, at the time, Russian troops had made no substantial movements to leave, according to a CNN report.

Speaking to NBC News, Yuri Sobolevskyi, the deputy head of Ukraine's Kherson regional council, highlighted his fears surrounding the alleged move by Russian forces.

"Within Kherson city limits, the number of Russian checkpoints has been reduced, and the Russians have taken down their flags from some of the administrative buildings they have occupied.

"We have information that there is still a lot of both Russian military personnel and equipment there.

"These actions could be a provocation to lure armed forces of Ukraine into a trap.

"[Russians have] left some of their checkpoints in Chornobaivka, Stepanivka and Bilozerka (settlements to the north and west of the city, close to the frontlines)," Sobolevskyi added.

Over the weekend, a Ukrainian spokeswoman Natalia Humeniuk also suggested Russia's talk of withdrawal could be a trap.

"Russian troops are trying hard to convince everyone they are retreating but at the same time we are seeing objective evidence that they are staying," Humeniuk said in an interview with Ukrainian media on Saturday according to CNN.

Michael Kofman, the research program director in the Russia studies program at CNA, a Washington-area think tank, highlighted his own skepticism at the situation in a series of tweets in early November.

"The situation in Kherson is clear as mud, Russian forces seemed to withdraw from some parts, evacuated, and drew down, but also reinforced with mobilized personnel," he wrote in one of his tweets.

"The fighting there is difficult. Despite constrained supply, Russian forces do not appear to be out of ammo."

Newsweek has contacted the Ukraine and Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment.