Ukraine news LATEST: Evil Putin’s huge ‘psychological blow’ as Ukrainians retake Kherson settlements & Russia loses grip

VLADIMIR Putin could face a “significant psychological blow” if Russian troops lose Kherson, Britain’s Defence Secretary has said. This comes as reports emerge of Putin’s troops fleeing the occupied region, amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive to take back the land. Speaking in Edinburgh, Ben Wallace played down Ukraine’s success in the annexed region but said losing Kherson would be a “significant psychological blow” for the Kremlin. This comes as the Ukrainian military revealed its troops have recaptured at least 41 settlements in Kherson. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence said last night: “Today we have good news from the south. The number of Ukrainian flags returning to their rightful place in the framework of the ongoing defence operation is already dozens. 41 settlements were liberated.” Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog below for the latest updates…