Russian troops have been controlled by the entire territory of the Ukrainian Lugansk region, annexed by Moscow in 2022, local authorities designated by Russia reported last night.
“Two days ago I received a report that the entire territory of the Popular Republic of Lugansk has been released, 100 %,” said Lugansk governor Leonid Pasechnik, to Russian public television.
Lugansk becomes that way. Last March, Russia said 99 % of Lugansk and more than 70 % of Donetsk, Jersón and Zaporiyia regions. A percentage that kyiv usually reduces, although it has not yet pronounced on this new announcement.
The Kremlin has said in the peace negotiations promoted by the United States that wants to keep these four regions completely, even the part that has not yet been conquered.
Why is it important
Lugansk and Donetsk make up the area known as the Donbás, bordering with Russia and riverside of the Azov Sea, which communicates with him. Its geopolitical importance for Russia, the existence of Russian minorities and breach of Minsk’s agreements are some of the keys that Moscow has always given to justify going for them.
For Ukraine, interest is clear: it is a good piece of its territory and the defense of its territorial integrity and its sovereignty. Without the Donbás, he loses control of a part of the border with his powerful neighbor and an industrial region rich in coal.
For Russia, it is about extending its control beyond its borders west and establishing a plug or protective shield that safeguards its center. A frozen conflict in Donbás also allows you to condition Ukrainian policy and hinder your hypothetical entry into NATO.
The conflict in Donbás began after the protests of the Euromaidan, which caused the fall of the Government of Víktor Yanukovich in 2014. Before the fear of an approach to the European Union and NATO, Russia unilaterally annexed the peninsula of, historically part of Russia and headquarters of its Black Sea fleet. Next, the provinces of Lugansk and Donetsk celebrated two referendums, unilaterally declared their independence and the clashes began.
