Two years of freedom: The return of Kherson to Ukraine (archival photos and videos).

The second anniversary of the liberation of Kherson falls on November 11, 2024. The city was under the control of Russian troops for eight months, from March to November 2022, and became the only regional center in Ukraine that was occupied almost since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

The active phase of the liberation of Kherson region lasted from early October to early November 2022. During this time, the Defense Forces advanced 35.5 km into the region, freeing an area of 1381 square kilometers.

On November 11, 2022, Ukrainian authorities returned to the city. Hundreds of Kherson residents gathered in Freedom Square with blue and yellow flags to congratulate the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Fleeing Russians claimed that it was a "gesture of goodwill." Some of them surrendered, while others attempted to disguise themselves as locals, but were immediately exposed after verification.

Local residents greeted the Ukrainian soldiers on the streets of the city. People came out with national symbols, embraced the defenders, and could not hold back tears of joy.

Along with the military, infrastructure began to return to the city. Among the first to arrive in Kherson was a truck with products from a well-known retail chain. This also became a symbol of the renewal of peaceful life.

Earlier, "Telegraph" also reported on what is happening on the left bank of Kherson, which is still occupied. The Russians there are reluctant to launch attacks due to the fact that they are being blown up by their own mines.