Ukrainian troops enter city of Kherson

The retreat by Russian forces marks a significant setback for Moscow, as Kherson city was the only major Ukrainian regional capital to fall into Russian hands since the start of the war. The region is also a strategic gateway to the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed illegally in 2014.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said the southern city of Kherson was "ours" after Russia announced its withdrawal was complete.

He said that special units of the armed forces were inside Kherson and that other Ukrainian troops were approaching from the outskirts.

His announcement came as videos posted to social media showed jubilant crowds of locals celebrating in the streets and greeting Ukrainian soldiers as they rolled into the city.