Russian forces preparing to defend Kherson, says Ukrainian spy chief

Ukraine had previously suggested some Russian units might be leaving. 

Russia took Kherson in the early days of the war, but has recently come under pressure as Ukrainian troops advance along the Dnipro River, Qazet.az reports.

Russian authorities in the city have ordered thousands of civilians to evacuate. 

Kyrylo Budanov, the Ukrainian intelligence chief, dismissed this as an "information operation", telling the Ukrayinska Pravda website Moscow was "trying to create the illusion that everything is lost". 

The Russian military is sending in more troops and preparing the streets for defence, he said, adding that the removal of citizens is a pretence to save face in case the city falls to Ukraine.