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Russia Claims Luhansk Victory
Russia's Defense Ministry announced it has taken full control of Ukraine's Luhansk region.
“Russia’s Ministry of Defence says its forces have taken full control of the Luhansk region”
The ministry described the seizure as a liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic.
Independent analysts estimate Russian forces have occupied nearly the entire region since summer 2022.
More than 99 percent of Luhansk had been under Russian control prior to Wednesday's announcement.
Kremlin Demands Donetsk Withdrawal
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov demanded Zelenskyy withdraw forces from Donetsk.
Zelenskyy had said U.S. mediators passed him a Kremlin ultimatum.
Donetsk and Luhansk comprise the industrialized Donbas area.
Moscow's annexations remain unrecognized internationally.
Symbolic Consolidation
Russia's announcement is largely symbolic consolidation rather than a major battlefield shift.
“Russia’s announcement is largely symbolic, signaling consolidation rather than a major shift”
More than 99% of Luhansk had been under Russian control for years.
The conflict remains fluid despite Kremlin claims.
This is the third time Russia has claimed full control since 2022.