Russian forces seized the Ukrainian city of Kherson, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday. Kherson is the first major city to fall to Russia since they first invaded Ukraine last Thursday, according to the New York Times.
Kherson mayor Igor Kolykhaev confirmed the Russian capture of Kherson and said Ukrainian forces retreated to a nearby city after days of fighting, according to the New York Times.
The capture of Kherson is significant because of its location just northwest of the Crimean peninsula, meaning Russian forces would be able to exert more control over Ukraine's southern coast.
According to the New York Times, Russian forces are turning to attacking civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and schools.
