Civilians warned to leave Kherson as Ukraine advances

Russian-backed authorities urged residents in the city of Kherson to flee as Ukrainian troops readied to recapture the city. In a post on the Telegram messaging service on Saturday, Russian administrators said civilians could cross a nearby river by boat to move deeper into Russian-held territory. At least four civilians died Thursday in a Ukrainian attack on the Antonivkyi Bridge. Thirteen people, including Russian television reporters, were wounded. Natalia Humeniuk, a spokeswoman for Ukraine’s southern operational command, said the attack took place after curfew so that civilians wouldn’t be hurt.

What is this bridge? The Antonivskyi Bridge is on a main route from Crimea to Russian-held territories in southern Ukraine. Previous Ukrainian strikes had disabled the bridge. Since then, Ukrainian rockets have targeted ferry crossings and pontoon bridges that Russian forces have been using to supply the city of Kherson, which Ukrainian forces have under siege.

Dig deeper: Read Evgeny Kosykh’s report about Russians protesting the war in Ukraine despite government reprisals.