A Ukrainian special forces official said that the southern offensive was a ruse to distract Russia from its real offensive.
Taras Berezovets, a former national security adviser and now press officer for the Bohun brigade of Ukraine's special forces, told The Guardian that it was a big special ruse.
Since it began its surprise offensive in the north-eastern Kharkiv region this week, the Ukrainians have made rapid gains.
The retaking of 1,158 square miles of territory by the Ukrainian forces has tripled in 48 hours, according to the president.
Insider can't verify the claims.
The UK Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that Russia had likely withdrawn units from the area and that Ukraine had made significant gains in the region.
Russia's state media has been gloomy about the counter offensive.
The Defense Ministry said on Saturday that Russian forces retreated from the region.
The offensive to take back Kherson began on August 29th.
While small gains were made, soldiers on the ground said they didn't see much evidence of the counter-offensive that was being trumpeted.
The special forces say the southern offensive was a distraction.
According to Berezovets, the plan succeeded in causing Russia to move equipment and personnel to the south.
The guys in Kharkiv were given the best weapons from the west.
In order to prevent Russia from being tipped off, Ukrainian forces went after people in Ukrainian-controlled areas.
Informants were almost completely clean. A military source with knowledge of the operation told The Guardian that there were some Russian agents who were undercover as Ukrainian civilians. The Russians didn't know what was happening.
It could be a serious blow to Russia if the reported advances in Kharkiv are held.
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