United Kingdom Ministry of Defense estimated on Sunday that "[e]nduring control over Kherson and its transport links will increase Russia's ability to sustain its advance to the north and west" of Ukraine and solidify the Kremlin's "control" over Crimea and its security.
London added that the Russian ruble "is due to be used in Kherson from today" and that Moscow's comments on the local situation show "Russian intent to exert strong political and economic influence in Kherson over the long term."
