Russia Declares Full Control Of Eastern Ukrainian Territory

Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Russian troops and their allies have reportedly taken control of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine after they captured Ukraine's last stronghold, Lysychansk.

However, Ukraine has yet to issue a statement after heavy fighting was reported in the region.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin that Luhansk had been "liberated", the Russian defense ministry said.

The statement came after Moscow said its troops had captured the villages around Lysychansk and laid siege to the city.

Defense Minister Shoigu said Russian troops and their allies in the region had "complete control of the city of Lysyschansk". But the Ukrainian military has not responded to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, before Russia announced its latest achievements, the Governor of Luhansk Serhiy Gaida wrote on the Telegram application that Russian troops were strengthening positions in the Lysychansk region.

"The city is on fire," said Gaida. "They attacked the city using brutal tactics."

After Ukraine struggled to stop Russia from capturing the capital Kiev following the launch of the invasion on February 24, Moscow turned its attention to taking full control of the provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine's Donbas.

Moscow-backed separatists have been fighting in the region since Russia first attacked Ukraine in 2014. Thousands of civilians have been killed and buildings razed to the ground in towns since Russia began its invasion on February 24.