“All because they are now panicking and just backing down,” said one, Michael. However, he added that his forces were in good spirits: “My brothers from the Ukrainian army and I are in very good spirits. We are ready to fight for our lands. Victory is getting closer every day.” Lloyd Austin, the US defense secretary, said he believed Ukrainian forces “definitely” have the ability to retake Kherson and any remaining territory on the west bank of the Dnipro River. A Russian retreat from the region would allow Ukraine to strike Crimea more easily. But, according to Mr Kofman, it would also give Moscow’s forces “a large physical barrier, less ground to defend and greater power density to speak of”. On the east bank of the Dnipro, Moscow could be seen strengthening its position.
