Russian soldiers crash in a foiled retreat from Kherson

Russian soldiers crash vehicle as they flee Kherson.

Footage taken by Russian soldiers shows Russian troops chaotically fleeing from the Kherson region and trying to evacuate wounded soldiers.

Ukrainian troops are continuing their arduous advance towards the strategic southern city of Kherson, after their lightning gains in the Kharkiv region in September.

Kherson is a crucial strategic prize – the only regional capital the Russians control.

Russian officials say they have completed an operation to move civilians out of the occupied southern city of Kherson ahead of an expected battle with advancing Ukrainian forces.

At least 70,000 civilians are said to have crossed to the left (eastern) bank of the Dnipro river, in what Ukraine has called forced deportations.

"We're preparing Kherson for defence," one Russian militia commander said.