Russia Claims Full Control of Luhansk Region Amidst Ongoing Tensions

The Russian Defence Ministry announced its forces have taken full control of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine. This claim, not independently verified, highlights ongoing tensions, with most of Luhansk under Russian control since 2022. Kyiv and Western nations view Russia's actions as an illegal land grab.

On Wednesday, the Russian Defence Ministry declared that its forces had achieved full control over the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine. This claim, asserting dominance over land previously out of reach since 2022, remains unverified by independent sources.

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian military reported no changes in the battlefield situation over the past six months, contradicting Russia's assertion. Luhansk, one of four Ukrainian regions claimed by Russia in 2022, has been largely under Russian control, a situation Kyiv and the majority of Western countries view as an illegitimate land acquisition.

The Defence Ministry stated that the 'West' military grouping completed the 'liberation' of the Luhansk People's Republic. Additionally, it claimed control over the village of Verkhnya Pysarivka in Kharkiv and Boikove in Zaporizhzhia, although these battlefield claims remain unconfirmed by independent reports.

(With inputs from agencies.)