Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine says Russian forces looted, occupied homes in Kherson

Ukrainian troops are advancing in the eastern and southern regions in a counter-offensive to reclaim occupied territories. As both sides gear up for intense fighting in Kherson, Ukraine said Russian forces have looted and occupied homes in the territory.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Monday that as Russia has ordered Kherson residents to evacuate the area, Russian forces are looting and occupying the abandoned homes. The Ukrainian military also echoed Podolyak’s comments in an overnight update.

“While Kherson residents are being forcibly deported from their homes, talking about ‘evacuation’ - ru-military and FSB officers are doing what they love most – robbing their houses,” tweeted Podolyak.

The Ukrainian military said that Russian forces, “disguised in civilian clothes, occupy the premises of civilians and strengthen positions inside for conducting street battles.”

Ukrainian forces on the frontlines told Reuters that they expect a bitter battle ahead against Russian troops, who are determined to inflict major casualties before they would be forced out of the territory. Reclaiming Kherson has been the main focus of Ukraine’s counter-offensive in the southern region as one of the four partially-occupied areas that Moscow claims to have annexed.

Russia has ordered civilians to leave Kherson in anticipation of heavy fighting to reinforce its control over the territory. Kherson is the only major city that Russia has captured since its invasion back in February. Kyiv said Russia’s so-called evacuation was forced deportation, a war crime.

Kherson has been without power and water for the past 48 hours, according to both sides, and Russian-installed officials blamed Ukrainian sabotage and said that they were working to restore power. However, Ukrainian officials said Russia has destroyed 1.5 kilometers of power lines and that power will likely not return until Kherson is reclaimed.

The Ukrainian government said it has invoked wartime laws in order to take control of its stakes in “strategically important” companies to ensure sufficient supplies for its military as the war is moving toward its ninth month. Ukrainian defense minister Oleksii Reznikov announced Monday the requisition of a top engine manufacturer and four other energy and manufacturing firms from some of the country’s wealthiest.

“This is about providing fuel and lubricants, repairing military equipment and weapons,” said Reznikov in a news conference with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Ukraine’s national security and defense council secretary Oleksiy Danilov.