It has been all over the MSM. Russia is apparently abandoning Kherson without a fight. Do you think this is a trap? Or a ruse of some kind? Or has Russia finished their Denazification efforts?
This feels like a defeat, but I know the MSM makes it really difficult to see through the fog of war.
It's a strategic move.
Look at the geography of where Kherson is. As winter approaches it will be a lot easier to defend and supply from there with no risk of units being trapped across the river.
It just feels like they keep moving in the wrong direction. I don't understand why there is this huge ruse of looking weak and encouraging the Ukrainians. Maybe it will make sense later, but if feels like they just keep giving more and more up, when they should be able to press forward.
You need to think strategically. What has Russia given up?
The area the Russian gave up before had no strategic value, so why waste effort and lives fighting over swampland?
If the Russians had kept forces on the right bank of the Dnieper river (think that's what it's called), there would be a risk of those forces being cut off from the main force and possibly defeated.
The Russians pulled their forces back to a natural defensive line where they can rest and regroup, especially with the cold weather approaching.
Any territory given up by Russia forces Ukraine to spread their forces out over a much broader area and Ukraine has basically only gained an empty city for now.
It may also be a ploy for peace talks. Allow Ukraine to keep that territory if they come to the table. The river would be a natural border between the two sides.
Sometimes you need to give a little to gain a lot.