President Zelensky visits Kherson, says ‘we are moving forward’, after Russian retreat
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sang the national anthem and held his hand over his heart as the country’s blue and yellow flag was hoisted
- Ukrainian forces retook the city when Russia pulled out on Friday and Zelensky said more than 400 war crimes had been documented in Kherson
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the southern city of Kherson on Monday to celebrate its recapture from Russian forces with joyful residents and troops after months of Russian occupation.
The Ukrainian presidency distributed images of him singing the national anthem, holding his hand over his chest as the country’s blue and yellow flag was hoisted next to the city’s main administrative building.
The Ukrainian counteroffensive that forced Russian forces to retreat from Kherson last week was one of Ukraine’s biggest military successes since Russia invaded its neighbour in February.
“We are moving forward,” Zelensky told reporters after arriving in Kherson on a sunny but cold day and addressing troops in front of the administration building in the main square. “We are ready for peace, peace for all our country.”
He thanked Nato and other allies for their support in the war against Russia and said the delivery of high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) from the United States had made a big difference to Ukraine’s war effort.
Parents with children, some pushing baby strollers, also gathered in the main square in front of the administration building that until recently was occupied by Russian forces.
Some people waved Ukrainian flags and others had the flag draped over their shoulders.