Russia Claims Full Control of Luhansk Region
But questions linger about the scope of Moscow’s ambitions in eastern Ukraine
According to a high-ranking Russian official, the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine is now fully under Russian control. However, this claim faces scrutiny amid ongoing fighting and skepticism about Russia’s broader goals in the region.
Luhansk ‘Liberated’?
Leonid Pasechnik, the Russian-installed governor, told Russia’s TV Channel One that “the territory of the Luhansk People’s Republic has been 100 percent liberated.”
However, Russian military reporters dispute this, noting that some villages remain under Ukrainian control.
This declaration echoes a previous claim made in 2022, when Russia initially asserted control over Luhansk, before Ukrainian counteroffensives partially reclaimed territory later that year. The situation highlights the fluidity and contested nature of territorial control in the ongoing conflict.
Weapons Shipments Halted
Concurrent with Pasechnik’s announcement, the United States revealed it would halt some previously promised weapons shipments to Kyiv. A White House statement indicated that “This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe.”
Russia’s Buffer Zone Ambitions
Russian forces also advanced towards the Dnipropetrovsk region, marking the first time they have controlled the entire breadth of the Donetsk region, though a third of it remains contested. According to the Institute for the Study of War, as of July 2, 2025, Russia has made marginal territorial gains in certain areas, but no major breakthroughs have occurred (ISW).
Meanwhile, discussions continue regarding a potential “buffer zone”
inside Ukraine. Igor Korotchenko, editor of National Defense magazine, suggested this zone could extend 70 to 120 kilometers (40 to 75 miles) into Ukrainian territory. Similar proposals have emerged in the past, often linked to protecting Russian regions from Ukrainian counterattacks.
“Naturally, the Russian armed forces are now tasked to continue operations to establish a buffer zone. According to experts, it should stretch at least 70 to 120 kilometres (40 to 75 miles) deep inside Ukraine.”
—Igor Korotchenko, Editor of National Defense Magazine
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s National Security Council, has even floated the idea of a buffer zone encompassing almost all of Ukraine. These proposals align with statements from Vladimir Putin, who has suggested he views all of Ukraine as Russian territory. Putin cryptically stated that Russia aims to “conclude the special military operation with the result that we need.”
Ukraine’s Response
In response to ongoing threats, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty banning antipersonnel landmines, citing their defensive utility. “Antipersonnel mines … very often have no alternative as a tool for defence,”
Zelenskyy stated.
Strikes Inside Russia
Ukraine has also conducted strikes inside Russia, targeting airfields and infrastructure. The SBU claimed responsibility for an attack on the Kirovske airfield, reportedly destroying several attack helicopters. Additionally, Ukraine’s General Staff reported destroying Sukhoi-34 fighters at Russia’s Marinovka airbase.
Russia has increased its unmanned air strikes against Ukrainian cities, prompting concerns about potential ground offensives. Experts suggest Moscow is marking Ukrainian territory it intends to target. Cambridge University’s Victoria Vdovychenko noted the strikes are expanding beyond front lines to “rear areas and even the residential areas of Ukraine.”
During a visit from German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for enhanced air defense systems. He stated that most of the 9 billion euros ($11bn) in military aid from Germany would support the “strategic objective”
of launching “systematic production of air defence systems.”
The priority, according to Zelenskyy, is drones, interceptor drones and long-range strike drones.”
The situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic, with both sides engaging in offensive and defensive actions. The claim of full control over Luhansk is likely to be contested, and the broader conflict shows no signs of abating.
