Ukraine war: Russia begins evacuation from Kherson in south

Tens of thousands of civilians and Russian-appointed officials are being moved out of Ukraine's southern Kherson region ahead of a Ukrainian offensive, says the Russia-installed local leader.

Vladimir Saldo said 50-60,000 civilians would leave four towns on the west bank of the Dnieper river in an "organised, gradual displacement".

All Russian-appointed departments in Kherson city would cross the river too.

Russian TV footage showed a number of people gathering near the Dnieper.

As they queued for boats, it was not clear how many were leaving. The transfer or deportation of civilians by an occupying power from occupied territory is considered a war crime. read more