Guardian report. Not a military expert, but this seems like a big deal.
www.theguardian.com/…
Moscow has announced it will evacuate Kherson after an appeal from the Russian-installed head of the region, raising fears the occupied city at the heart of the south Ukrainian oblast will become a new frontline.
Marat Khusnullin, a Russian deputy prime minister, told state television on Thursday that residents would be helped to move away from the region in south Ukraine, which remains only partly occupied by invading troops due to a successful Ukrainian counterattack in recent months.
“The government took the decision to organise assistance for the departure of residents of the [Kherson] region to other regions of the country,” Khusnullin said.
UPDATE: Friday, Oct 14, 2022 · 1:20:37 AM +00:00 · dge
Further confirmation from BBC
www.bbc.com/...
The Russian-installed leader of Ukraine's southern Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, has called on civilians to evacuate - citing daily rocket attacks by advancing Ukrainian forces.
He urged them to "save themselves" by going to Russia for "leisure and study", and asked for Moscow's help.
His call was later backed up by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin in a message on state television.