Russia Retreats

Russian troops reportedly began pulling out from Ukraine's southern port city of Kherson yesterday. Kherson was the only regional capital Moscow had seized since its invasion of Ukraine in February. The region provides access to the Black Sea, a vital passageway for incoming arms and exports (see map). Ukrainian officials say they are cautious of the news.

Russian forces withdrew to the eastern bank of the Dnipro River and are reportedly ceding all territory on the western bank. News of the withdrawal came after Russian state media reported a Moscow-installed official in Kherson died in a car crash.

Separately, WNBA star Brittney Griner has been sent to a Russian penal colony to serve her nine-year sentence for drug possession. The eight-time all-star center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted in August after police said they found cannabis oil in her luggage.

See updates on the war here.