Luhansk Region Fully Liberated, Claims Russian-Appointed Governor

In a significant pronouncement, the Russian-installed governor of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine has stated that Russia has achieved full control, with the area declared ‘100 percent liberated.’ This claim by Leonid Pasechnik signifies the first of the four annexed regions where Russia asserts complete dominance. The announcement was made after receiving a report confirming the full liberation of the Luhansk People’s Republic. The region was one of the four that Russia annexed in 2022. However, military reporters noted that two villages in the area remain outside Russian control, and past declarations of complete capture were reversed. Simultaneously, reports indicate that Russian forces have seized a village in the Dnipropetrovsk region, although official verification is still outstanding. The United States has simultaneously paused delivery of certain weapons systems to Ukraine, citing concerns about US military stockpiles. The Pentagon’s approach to military aid is under review.