Russian and LPR forces have liberated the Lugansk People's Republic, after taking control of Lisichansk, the last pocket of Ukrainian militants in the region, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin on Sunday.
The minister said Russian forces and their allies in the area had "gained full control over the city of Lisichansk", and informed the President about "complete liberation of the LPR".
Lisichansk, and surrounding townships such as Belogorovka, Novodruzhesk, Maloryazantsevo, and Belaya Gora, have been liberated.
"The total territory liberated in the last 24 hours is 182 sq km," the Ministry said.
The Russia-led coalition has been advancing towards Severodonetsk and Lisichansk since early March, saying that the two major industrial hubs are a priority in the operation to liberate the Republic.
Ukraine has been carrying out a military crackdown against Donbass since 2014. Multiple announcements of ceasefires failed to stabilize the situation. The simmering armed conflict escalated rapidly in February this year, and sent Donbass barrelling towards an unprecedented bloodshed.
Russia intervened on February 24 by launching a special military operation to demilitarize Ukraine and bring peace back to Donbass. *t
