Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that they had captured the Ukrainian port city of Kherson on March 3. It is the first city Russia has managed to control since the invasion began on February 24. Kherson is considered a strategic key. Under its control the center would allow Russia to control a significant part of Ukraine’s southern coast. It is situated on the banks of the Dnieper River where it flows into the Black Sea. The port city could also be used to bring in Russian troops and mobilize them westward towards the port city of Odessa. Kherson is home to approximately 250,000 Ukrainians who are now living under Russian curfew laws. Traffic has been restricted in the city and pedestrians are not allowed to gather in groups of more than two people at a time.