Enlarge image
1/11
A woman walks the ruined streets of Arkhanhelske settlement in northern Kherson region on November 3.
The Ukrainian march south is imminent.
Photo: BULENT KILIC / AFP
Enlarge image
2/11
Barely a week later, on November 9, Russia ordered the withdrawal of its troops from the west bank of the Dnieper.
It is the start of the Ukrainian recapture of Kherson.
Two days later, on his motorbike, teacher Yuriy Nevolchuk celebrates the liberation of the village of Blahodatne, which was recaptured by the Ukrainian army on November 10.
Photo: VALENTYN OGIRENKO / REUTERS
Enlarge image
3/11
Gradually, the Ukrainian army reports the liberation of other villages and settlements.
In this November 12 photo, a resident of Kyselivka, a village northwest of Kherson, hugs a Ukrainian soldier.
Both are visibly moved.
Another soldier holds a colorful bouquet of flowers.
Photo: VALENTYN OGIRENKO / REUTERS
Enlarge image
4/11
From Kyselivka at the latest, Kiev's soldiers know which way to go to Cherson.
Cheering villagers have put up a sign directing the fighters to the area capital.
Photo: VALENTYN OGIRENKO / REUTERS
Enlarge image
5/11
The closer the Ukrainian troops get, the greater the joy in the city of Cherson.
Here, residents have gathered in one of the main downtown squares to celebrate the arrival of Kiev's soldiers.
Photo: STRINGER / REUTERS
Enlarge image
6/11
Kherson is free.
On November 12, Ukrainian troops arrive in the center of the city.
A cheering crowd welcomes the soldiers, who are embraced by many people.
Photo: Yevhenii Zavhorodnii/AP
Enlarge image
7/11
A kiss for the liberators: This elderly man from Cherson hugs one of the Ukrainian soldiers.
Photo: Efrem Lukatsky/AP
Enlarge image
8/11
The streets of the city center are becoming parade miles.
People even try to touch the vehicles of the Ukrainian military as a sign of gratitude.
Photo: Yevhenii Zavhorodnii/AP
Enlarge image
9/11
In Cherson, the liberation by the Ukrainian army is celebrated almost like New Year's Eve.
Two young women celebrate the Russian retreat with a sip of sparkling wine.
Photo: STRINGER / REUTERS
Enlarge image
10/11
The Ukrainian troops are received like celebrities.
A woman takes a selfie with a soldier while a child wears a Ukrainian military uniform.
Photo: STRINGER / REUTERS
Enlarge image
11/11
The people in the regional capital celebrate the Russian withdrawal late into the night.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy describes the day as "historic".
Photo: LIBKOS/AP
col
