Russia-Ukraine war: Russia destroyed critical infrastructure in Kherson before withdrawal, says Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that prior to the reclaiming of the southern region of Kherson, Russian forces have destroyed the region’s critical infrastructure. Zelenskyy added that all communication lines, water, heat, and electricity were destroyed.

In a video address Saturday, Zelenskyy said Russian forces destroyed Kherson’s critical infrastructure before they withdrew from the region. Zelenskyy also pledged that all of the infrastructures would be restored as Ukrainian forces succeed in reclaiming the only major city that Russia seized since invading in February.

“Before fleeing from Kherson, the occupiers destroyed all the critical infrastructure: Communications, water, heat, electricity,” said Zelenskyy, adding that Russians “everywhere have the same goal: To humiliate people as much as possible. But we will restore everything, believe me.”

Ukrainian forces reclaimed Kherson Friday last week and were given a warm welcome by the residents. Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian troops were able to reclaim over 60 settlements in Kherson and that almost 2,000 mines, tripwires, and unexploded shells were dealt with so far.

The United States also welcomed the reclaiming of Kherson. Washington said that the recovery of Kherson was an “extraordinary victory.”

“It’s a big moment and it’s due to the incredible tenacity and skill of the Ukrainians, backed by the relentless and united support of the United States and our allies,” White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.

Assed Baig of Al Jazeera said that Russia’s withdrawal from Kherson was the “most decisive” event in the war that is moving toward its ninth month and that it has boosted the morale of Ukrainian troops on the ground.

Zelenskyy said Sunday that prior to the withdrawal, Russian soldiers committed war crimes in killing civilians in Kherson. Zelenskyy cited that investigators already found evidence of over 400 war crimes by Russia, noting that bodies of servicemen and civilians were found.

This follows the mass graves that were found across Ukraine since the start of the invasion. Bodies of civilians showing signs of torture were found in Kharkiv and in Bucha. A United Nations commission last month said war crimes were committed in Ukraine and that Russian forces were responsible for most of the atrocities.