Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskiy says Kherson ‘never gave up’ as Ukrainian troops reach city centre – as it happened

This live blog has now closed, you can read more on Ukraine's recapture of Kherson here

The absence of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in connection with announcements about his forces' retreat from key areas of Ukraine is being discussed by commentators.

The distance has been deliberate, writes New York Times national correspondent Neil MacFarquhar, who adds:

With each new pronounced setback in Ukraine, however, it is getting harder for Mr. Putin to separate himself from the whiff of failure, which is gradually eroding his image as a decisive, indomitable leader.

There is a withdrawal of Russian troops to more fortified positions. But there were still populated points where we saw battles.

They withdraw because they suffer losses, very heavy losses. What's more, they don't even take the bodies of their soldiers and leave the wounded behind.