Here’s a look at what has been happening as Russian forces withdraw from Kherson and why the city is so important for Moscow and Kyiv

Ukrainian officials say Ukrainian flags have been appearing “en masse and all over the place” following Russia’s retreat from the southern region of Kherson, one of the four regions in Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin annexed in September. The months-long Ukrainian offensive to recapture the city of Kherson, the only provincial capital that has been under Russian control since the early days of the invasion, is coming to a head. The fall of the city would deal another humiliation to Moscow after a string of battlefield defeats and other setbacks. Here’s a look at what has been happening and why…