I think our view through the fog of war is pretty hazy, hard to say what percentage of Ukraine retaking Kherson is through Russian's retreating versus Ukrainian's pushing. Taking Kherson will be a brobdingnagian victory for Ukraine, whether or not they encircle most of the retreating Russians or simply kill a lot of them as they retreat as in Kharkiv and Kyiv. Victory in Kherson, as the only regional capital to fall to Russia, will be a big morale boost, and more importantly will place large sections of Crimea in range of Ukrainian fire.
Kherson was also a test of wills. Putin threw a lot there to try and hold it, and still it will not be enough. Ukraine retains the initiative and probably will choose the time and place for the next major battle of the war.
Kherson was also a test of wills. Putin threw a lot there to try and hold it, and still it will not be enough. Ukraine retains the initiative and probably will choose the time and place for the next major battle of the war.