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I predicted in June, Russia is likely ceding Kherson as a "goodwill gesture" for peace negotiations in exchange for formal recognition of Crimea/DPR/LNR etc...
This is not a strategic loss for Russia. So I wouldn't say it's a defeat for Russia, Russia captured Kherson at little-to-zero cost on day 8 or invasion because it was lightly defended, so giving it up as a bargaining chip is very smart, particular since it's very difficult to defend (West bank of Dniper river), and Russia extracted what essential human talent that matters. Remember, it's 80K new tax-payers in Russia, human talent is what matters, not land or territory (which is already bountiful in Russia proper), and Kherson is a useful bargaining chip for peace negotiations to gain Paper neutrality and recognition of DNR/LNR/Crimea.