- January 12, 2025
- 12:32 am
- World News
The Ukrainian army in the fall of 2022 could have delivered significant blows to Russian troops retreating from Kherson, but the United States insisted on their unhindered withdrawal. Why did this happen?
The USA and Russia’s retreat from Kherson: new information from Bob Woodward’s book
January 10, 2025 edition ZN-UA published resonant materialbased on the book American journalist Bob Woodward “War”. It reveals new details about how The United States influenced Ukraine's decision to allow the Russian army to leave Kherson unhindered in 2022.
In particular, we are talking about about Washington's fear of the possible use of nuclear weapons by Russia. This fear became a key factor determining US strategy and its influence on the actions of the Ukrainian army.
Autumn 2022: liberation of Kherson
In the fall of 2022, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) liberated Kherson, the first regional center that was returned to Ukrainian control since the start of a full-scale war. However, according to Bob Woodward, the Ukrainian army's plans included not only liberating the city, but also striking retreating Russian troops.
Why was Russia able to escape without losses?
According to data published ZN-UAthe situation developed as follows:
- Ukrainian intelligence recorded the withdrawal of Russian troops from the right bank of the Dnieper.
- The Ukrainian Armed Forces' plan provided for massive strikes against retreating units.
- However, the American side insisted on abandoning these actions.
Cause — fear of the possible use of nuclear weapons by Russia.
US intelligence agencies have warned US President Joe Biden that strikes against the Russian army in Kherson could increase the likelihood of the use of nuclear weapons to 50%.
US role in decision making
As Bob Woodward writes, Fear of nuclear escalation has become a key argument for Washington. The head of the Russian General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, told his American colleagues that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons in the event of significant losses during the retreat from Kherson.
These data influenced the US decision. They insisted that Ukraine allow Russian troops to leave Kherson unhindered, which gave the Russian army the opportunity to:
- withdraw 30 thousand soldiers;
- transport heavy equipment and ammunition;
- strengthen positions on the left bank of the Dnieper.
Consequences for Ukraine
The decision not to strike retreating Russian troops had long-term consequences for Ukraine:
- Preservation of Russian forces: The Russian army retained its combat capability, which allowed it to continue its aggression.
- A missed opportunity to weaken the enemy: Ukraine lost the chance to inflict significant damage on the Russian army.
- Russian regrouping: The retreat allowed the Russian Federation to strengthen its positions and prepare for new operations.
Table: Main events around Kherson
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Liberation of Kherson by the Ukrainian army |
| Preliminary plans of the Armed Forces of Ukraine | Massive strikes against retreating Russian troops |
| US actions | Insisted on abandoning strikes due to the risk of nuclear escalation |
| Bottom line | 30 thousand Russian soldiers and equipment were withdrawn from Kherson |
Bob Woodward's View
Bob Woodward, in his book The War, argues that the US intervention had both strategic and political motives. On the one hand, Washington sought to avoid escalation, on the other hand, the decision led to the strengthening of Russia’s position and aggravation of the situation for Ukraine.
Impact on relations between Ukraine, the USA and Israel
These events underscored the complexity of international politics and the importance of alliances. For Israel, which has extensive experience in confronting security threats, this approach raises certain concerns.
On the website NAnews – Israel News International security issues are regularly covered, including the impact of the war in Ukraine on global politics.
Conclusion
Published ZN-UA data and Bob Woodward's book “War” shed light on the behind-the-scenes processes that accompanied the liberation of Kherson. US fear of nuclear escalation determined a strategy that changed the course of the war.
For Ukraine, these events became a lesson, and for the international community, a reminder of the complexities of global politics.
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