Russia Declares Complete Control of Luhansk, Marking a Key Victory

The Russian-appointed governor of Ukraine’s Luhansk region has announced full control over the territory, declaring it ‘100 percent liberated.’ This marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, with Luhansk becoming the first of the four annexed regions where Russia claims complete control. The announcement, made by Leonid Pasechnik, followed earlier indications that Luhansk could be fully occupied, solidifying Russia’s presence after over three years of conflict. Despite the declaration, some reports suggest that two villages remain outside Russian control, and past claims of complete capture have been challenged by Ukrainian counteroffensives. Concurrently, reports indicate that Russia has seized a village in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, though official confirmation is pending. This announcement comes as the United States has reportedly paused the delivery of certain promised weapons to Ukraine, citing concerns about depleting US military stockpiles. The Department of Defence is reviewing its approach to providing military aid while also ensuring US forces’ readiness.