Russia announced Wednesday that their forces have secured full control of Ukraine’s Luhansk region, marking an impressive strategic achievement within war-ravaged Eastern Donbas. Meanwhile, United States confirmed it is postponing certain weapons deliveries to Ukraine due to political gridlock in Washington D.C.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed during a televised briefing that Russian troops had achieved all military objectives within Luhansk People’s Republic – the name given by Moscow for the breakaway region.
Moscow has achieved significant territorial gains during their over a year long artillery warfare and urban combat operations in Donbas. Officials acknowledged that Ukrainian forces conducted tactical retreat from several positions in Luhansk but pledged to regroup and counterattack.
“This isn’t the end,” declared Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi during a video address. “We are shifting defensive lines and preparing counter-offensives with support from our allies.”
However, that allied support has now encountered another hurdle. In Washington, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that some military aid shipments pledged to Ukraine under earlier packages (long-range missile systems, air defense interceptors and armored vehicles) has been temporarily stopped due to insufficient congressional approval of new funding streams.
Pentagon Spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated the current pause isn’t permanent but warned it could hamper Ukraine’s ability to respond effectively against renewed Russian offensives. Without additional appropriations from Congress, “we are reaching our maximum capacity from existing stockspiles,” Singh stated.
Timing of this pause, which coincides with Russia’s claim over Luhansk, has raised alarm among Ukraine’s European supporters and NATO members in Eastern Europe who fear the war may shift further toward Russia if US support wanes further.
Polish Prime Minister Marek Nowak described the current situation as deeply concerning, emphasizing that Ukraine’s defense was integral to European stability. We call on our American allies to provide their full support in protecting Ukraine.
Analysts note the loss of Luhansk is both symbolic and strategic for Russia’s invasion; the region had long been one of its targets since 2022, providing logistical support for further operations against neighboring Donetsk which remains partially under Ukrainian control.
At the United Nations, Ukraine’s Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya strongly condemned Russia’s actions as violating international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty; and demanded immediate international intervention and sanctions to address them.
While Russia uses this development to project strength, state media hailed Luhansk’s victory as an important step toward President Vladimir Putin’s stated goal of liberating Donbas region. Crowds can be seen celebrating celebration in Luhansk city; however, independent verification remains difficult due to limited media access.
With international politics complicating weapons supply, Ukraine stands at a crucial juncture. Regaining lost territory or maintaining current territory may now depend as much on political will in Washington as on soldier bravery on the frontlines.