Russian troops forcibly evacuate civilians in Kherson, Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities claim that Russian troops are forcibly evacuating civilians from the key city of Kherson, possibly indicating a Russian retreat ahead of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Ukrainian forces have reportedly established a foothold on the east bank of the Dnipro River, southwest of Kherson, which could indicate a lack of Russian control over the area. The increase in Ukraine's military activity in the south of the country has raised speculation about Kyiv's springtime counterattack. Ukrainian commanders have long indicated that they will attempt to remove Russian forces from the south once the weather improves and troops are ready.