Russia Withdraws from Kherson, Surovikin Steadies Nerves, Promises Offensive (Alexander Mercouris)

With the raising of 300,000 troops and their equipment one would think this would be enough to protect Kherson and use it as a meat grinder for attacking Ukrainian troops. The withdrawal, after the successful defence of the city, seems like a bad idea. The only reason they might do such a thing is if they expected a massive Ukrainian offensive, which already happened and failed. I don't fully buy into the Russian explanations.

On further thought, perhaps the Russian military has decided to wait things out and let Ukraine collapse economically with no main power throughout the winter? Inflation and power issues are likely to impact the rest of Europe blunting their enthusiasm for the war. However, such ideas may be wishful thinking. fighting is still going on in key areas so the objective MUST still be to engage with the Ukrainian military side. The problem with giving up the Kherson sector is that it also allows the Ukrainian side to redeploy its forces. If they were more stretched out it would help the Russian attacks around Donetsk. This is why the risk of staying in position would be worth it come the winter conditions and the arrival of more troops. If the Russians really did have a personnel problem then this would justify their actions perhaps?    

Related:

Scott Ritter - Russian Retreat, What's it Mean? (Judging Freedom)


[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, November 12, 2022.]