Russian-backed annexation authorities in Kherson announce formation of territorial defense

Russian-installed annexation authorities in Kherson have announced the formation of a territorial defense force.

“For all men who wish to remain in Kherson despite the growing security threat caused by the actions of the Ukrainian nationalists, [we’ve] created an opportunity to join the ranks of a city territorial defense,” the head of the occupation administration wrote on Telegram.

The announcement stressed that the offer applies to men who willingly choose to stay in the city. Anyone who wants to leave, it says, “can go to the left bank of the Dnipro at any time.”

On October 19, Vladimir Putin signed a decree officially imposing martial law in the four Ukrainian territories that Russia annexed in late September. In a separate decree, the president paved the way for the creation of territorial defense forces, among other things.

On October 18, the Russian-installed authorities in Ukraine’s Kherson region announced it would “relocate” civilians living on the right bank of the Dnipro to the left bank “because of a growing security threat.” On October 22, authorities called on Kherson residents to leave the city immediately. The evacuation orders came against the backdrop of a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Laying the groundwork

Russian authorities have repeatedly accused Ukraine of planning to carry out false flag attacks in recent days, including in the Kherson region. Western experts, however, believe these accusations themselves could be a sign Russia has false flag plans of its own.