After seven months, the Russian army have left the key Ukrainian city of Kherson.
 
Ukrainian troops have been hugged and kissed by locals after the city was liberated from Russian control.

It had been the only Ukrainian capital occupied since the invasion began. 

President Zelenskyy has described it as an "historic day,” despite earlier concerns about the Kremlin’s motives. 

A Christian in Kherson told Premier: “According to the noise, during the night Russian army left, there are Ukrainian flags on all the main buildings. Immediately the atmosphere changed in the city. 

“We have no electricity and no water but we are so happy. 

“For the first time in many months, there is no sound on the city streets, but music rumbles.... The day has come! Praise the Lord! He is faithful!

“Continue to keep us in your prayers. Explosions are constantly coming from the left bank....”

Putin has not commented on the withdrawal; Russian troops were previously told they were leaving Kherson for the sake of their safety and health.

More than 40 areas of Kherson had been liberated by the Ukrainian army before the announcement was made.

Many are considering this to be a humiliating defeat for Russia, but the Kremlin still control huge swathes of the area. 

They still consider the region to be part of Russia.