A major verified international story today is Russia’s new claim that it has fully taken control of Ukraine’s Luhansk region.
According to AP, Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces had completed the capture of the region. But Ukraine rejected that statement, saying small parts of Luhansk are still being defended by Ukrainian troops.
The report said the situation could not be independently verified. Ukrainian officials also suggested that the timing of the claim may be linked to diplomacy, as U.S. envoys are expected to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
At the same time, heavy fighting is continuing. AP reported that Russian drone attacks killed civilians in Ukraine and that Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a large number of drones overnight.
Because of its military and diplomatic impact, this is one of the most important international stories being followed today.