Since Russian troops withdrew and Ukrainian forces moved in, residents are meeting up in the city's main square to celebrate, waving their flag, singing and dancing.
Sixty percent of Ukrainians who fled their homes for other parts of the country have lost their jobs, as Russia's invasion has upended industries and destroyed businesses.
The move signals Russia's growing frustration over Ukrainian advances in areas the Kremlin claimed to annex. It came hours after Kremlin-appointed officials ordered civilians to evacuate Kherson.
Ukraine was the leading country Americans adopted from, but it halted adoptions this year after Russia's invasion. Now many families and children are in limbo.