Putin, after capturing Luhansk, says "Ukraine offensive continues"

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] On the 4th (local time), immediately after the Russian military completely took control of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin ordered the continuation of the offensive in Ukraine.

According to foreign media, President Putin told Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu on the day, "Military units such as the Eastern Military District and Western Military District must carry out their missions according to the pre-approved plans."

He ordered, "I hope you continue to advance as you have done so far in Luhansk."

The previous day, Minister Shoigu reported to President Putin that through a successful military operation, they had secured full control over Lysychansk, a key stronghold in Luhansk Oblast.

Lysychansk was the last place where Ukrainian forces were making their final stand in Luhansk Oblast. By securing this area, Russia has gained control over the entire Luhansk region.

Following Russia's announcement, the Ukrainian military confirmed in the afternoon that forces in the area had withdrawn. In a statement released that day, the Ukrainian military said, "We decided to retreat from Lysychansk to protect the lives of Ukrainian soldiers."

Since late March, the Russian military, which had retreated from the northern front including the capital Kyiv, has been concentrating its forces on the eastern Donbas front, and on the 25th of last month, completely occupied Severodonetsk, a strategic stronghold in Luhansk.