Russia orders evacuations in Kherson ahead of major Ukrainian counteroffensive

Russia-appointed officials in Kherson have ordered the evacuation of thousands of civilians as they brace for another major counter-offensive by Ukrainian forces.

The order was made "due to the tense situation at the front, the increased danger of massive shelling of the city and the threat of terrorist attacks," it added in reference to approaching Ukrainian forces. Caitlin McFall is a Fox News Digital reporter. You can reach her at caitlin.mcfall@fox.com or @ctlnmcfall on Twitter.

The statement told civilians to bring pets, valuables and documentation as they flee what many believe will be the next major front in Ukraine’s fight to regain its territory.