Ukraine Says Russia Forces Pillage, Occupy Kherson Homes Ahead of Battle

Ukraine Says Russia Forces Pillage, Occupy Kherson Homes Ahead of Battle
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a joint news conference with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (not seen) in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 31, 2022. Viacheslav Ratynskyi/Reuters
Reuters
Updated:

KYIV—Ukraine accused Russia of looting empty homes in the southern city of Kherson and occupying them with troops in civilian clothes to prepare for street fighting in what both sides predict will be one of the war’s most important battles.

In recent days, Russia has ordered civilians out of Kherson in anticipation of a Ukrainian assault to recapture the city, which was the first to be seized by Russian forces following their invasion in February.