The Ukrainian national anthem rang out in the city after Moscow pulled its forces out of the only regional capital it had captured since its invasion began late February.
Following the success of retaking Kherson Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday that the "war goes on."
In a video address on Friday evening, President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed "a historic day" in getting Kherson back. Special units of the military were inside with defending troops on the outskirts, he said.
Russia's defence ministry said it had withdrawn more than 30,000 soldiers across the Dnipro River in its retreat, without losing a soldier. But Ukrainians described a chaotic retreat, with Russian troops ditching their uniforms or drowning trying to escape.
The Kremlin said on Friday that Russia's withdrawal from Kherson's capital would not change the region's status as annexed by Russia.
(mo)
Sources: Reuters, AFP