Luhan'sk is completely liberated! On July 1st, the leader of the Luhansk region, Pasechnik, announced this news in a live broadcast on Russian television, claiming that the Russian army has fully controlled the area.

Luhansk, an industrial hub in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, has attracted attention due to its rich coal resources and strategic location. On July 1, 2025, the leader of the Luhansk region, Pasechnik, announced via a live broadcast on Russian television that the Russian military has fully controlled the area. This statement shocked the world and raised countless questions: Where will this war-torn land go? Will the situation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict be rewritten? Let's delve into the background of this event.

Luhansk is located in eastern Ukraine, bordering the Rostov region of Russia, and is the core area of the Donbas region. Since the late 19th century, it rose as an important economic center due to coal mining and metallurgical industries. During the Soviet era, a large number of Russian-speaking people moved in, forming a unique ethnic structure. The rich resources and geographical location have given Luhansk significant strategic value, making it a focal point for the struggle between Russia and Ukraine.

In 2014, a political crisis erupted in Ukraine, with the "Maidan Revolution" promoting pro-Western forces to overthrow the pro-Russian president. Residents of the eastern regions felt their interests were harmed, and protest activities quickly escalated. Separatists in Luhansk demanded autonomy or annexation by Russia, and the conflict began. Russia intervened through military and economic support, making Luhansk a frontline in the Russia-Ukraine game.

In April 2014, protest activities in Luhansk escalated into armed conflict. Separatists occupied government buildings and declared the establishment of the "Luhansk People's Republic," holding an independence referendum in May, claiming to have received the majority of support. The Ukrainian government refused to recognize it and launched a military operation to reclaim the lost territory, but the armed forces supported by Russia resisted fiercely, leading to a stalemate in the fighting.

The Minsk agreements signed in 2015 attempted to resolve the issue through ceasefire and political dialogue, but failed to be effectively implemented. In 2022, Russia officially recognized the independence of Luhansk and used this as a reason to launch a full-scale military campaign, aiming to control the entire Donbas region. The Russian military gradually advanced, with the front lines constantly changing, until they achieved full control over the entire Luhansk region in 2025.

In 2022, the Russian military first announced the "liberation" of Luhansk, but the Ukrainian counteroffensive caused them to lose some areas. In 2024, the Russian military adjusted its strategy and launched a new offensive. They used long-range artillery and drones to weaken the Ukrainian defenses, special forces disrupted supply lines, and ground troops gradually advanced. In June 2025, the Russian military captured the last stronghold, completing the control of Luhansk.

The Russian military adopted a multi-layered strategy: long-range bombing to destroy Ukrainian military fortifications, drones for reconnaissance to identify targets, and infantry cooperating with armored vehicles to advance town by town. Electronic warfare equipment interfered with Ukrainian military communications, causing the command system to collapse. After years of intense combat, the Russian military finally consolidated its occupation of Luhansk.

After controlling Luhansk, the Russian military shifted its focus to Slavyansk and Kramatorsk in Donetsk. These two places are the last industrial and defensive core areas of the Ukrainian military in Donbas. The Russian military plans to advance along the highway, forming an encirclement. The Ukrainian military prepares to resist based on solid fortifications, and both sides may engage in a prolonged war.

The Luhansk region has begun reconstruction, repairing infrastructure and promoting economic integration with Russia. However, shortages of supplies and security issues still trouble the residents. The international community's division over the status of Luhansk has intensified, with only a few countries recognizing its independence, while the West imposes new sanctions, making the geopolitical situation increasingly tense.

The "liberation" of Luhansk is not only a turning point in the Russia-Ukraine conflict but also a challenge to the global order. How will the fate of this land evolve? Can the international community find a balance? What is your opinion? Please leave a comment to share your insights and jointly explore the impact of this event.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836503666820096/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.