Russia’s Defense Ministry stated on Wednesday that its forces have taken complete control of the Luhansk region in Ukraine. This claim, however, was immediately disputed by Ukrainian officials.

Russian Claims and Ukrainian Response

“Units of the Group of Forces West have completed the liberation of the Luhansk People’s Republic,” the Russian Defense Ministry announced in a statement. Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for Ukraine's Joint Forces grouping, countered this assertion, stating, “Unfortunately, we only hold small patches there, but those positions have been held by 3rd brigade for a long time.”

Past Discrepancies and Strategic Context

Ukrainian officials have previously accused Moscow of making false claims of territorial gains in an attempt to influence U.S. negotiations and suggest an inevitable Russian victory. Russia illegally annexed Luhansk, along with Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, in September 2022, though it has never fully controlled these regions.

Upcoming US Envoy Talks

The announcement comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to hold a video call with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner later on Wednesday. The discussion will focus on the potential for further trilateral negotiations.

Ongoing Conflict and Civilian Impact

The Institute for the Study of War suggests that Ukrainian tactics are hindering Russia’s attempts to advance with its larger army. The conflict continues to take a significant toll on Ukrainian civilians, with the United Nations reporting over 15,000 deaths to date.

On Wednesday, a Russian drone strike in the Cherkasy region of central Ukraine killed four people, according to regional governor Ihor Taburets. Attacks also damaged sites in western Ukraine, including an industrial facility and a postal sorting center in Lutsk.

Recent Drone Attacks and Air Defense

Ukraine’s air force reported downing 298 drones, primarily Iranian-designed Shahed drones, during overnight attacks launched from western Russia and Crimea. However, 20 drones still impacted 11 sites across the country. Zelenskyy also stated Ukraine is actively cooperating with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.