Russian troops SURRENDER key city of Kherson in face of brutal Ukrainian onslaught in massive humiliation for Putin

VLADIMIR Putin’s troops have withdrawn from a key Ukrainian city in a move dubbed a “black page for Russia” by pro-Kremlin sources. Russian forces have reportedly been forced out of the southern city of Kherson, gateway to Crimea and the largest city of one of the four territories annexed in September. AFPRussian troops have been forced to withdraw from the key Ukrainian city of Kherson[/caption] EPARussian defence chief Sergei Shoigu, right, and General Sergei Surovikin, left[/caption] ReutersIt is a humiliating blow for Putin’s forces[/caption] Putin’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday ordered his troops out of the city and across the Dnipro River to take up defensive lines. In a meeting of senior military officials, General Sergei Surovikin, Russia’s commander in Ukraine, said it was no longer possible to continue supplying the city. He said: “In these circumstances, the most sensible option is to organise the defence along a barrier line along the river Dnipro.” Ilia Ponomarenko, a defence reporter at the Kyiv Post, said earlier on Wednesday that the retreating Russian army were “blowing up all bridges in Kherson Oblast” and removing their flags from the city. It marks one of Russia’s most significant retreats since the start of the war and a potential turning point in the conflict that has raged since late February. A pro-Kremlin blogger wrote on the messaging app Telegram: “This is a black page in the history of the Russian army. Of the Russian state. A tragic page.” Most read in News CHARLES EGGED Yob who hurled eggs at King Charles unmasked as Extinction Rebellion activist 'WE'LL NEVER HEAL' Parents' heartbreaking tribute to baby girl killed in nursery 'incident' CROSSED THE LINE M25 eco morons warned 'someone will be killed' after cop injured in crash 'MISTAKE' Andrew accuser Virginia admits she was wrong to claim Alan Dershowitz abused her KNIFE CRIME HELL Boy, 14, arrested for 'murder' after 'true gentleman' stabbed to death family tragedy New mum 'killed by cocaine' on first night out after giving birth