Russia asserts Luhansk capture ahead of US envoy talks, Ukraine denies claim

KYIV, April 1: Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed Wednesday that its forces had taken full control of Ukraine’s Luhansk, but Kyiv denied the claim, with Ukrainian troops reportedly holding small positions.
The statement came as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared for talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on possible trilateral negotiations aimed at mediating an end to Moscow’s invasion.
Russia illegally annexed Luhansk and three other eastern regions in September 2022 but has never fully controlled them.
Zelenskyy said front-line combat remains intense amid a Russian spring offensive, though Ukrainian tactics have disrupted Moscow’s advances and inflicted setbacks on the larger Russian army.
The war continues to take a heavy toll on civilians, with over 15,000 killed so far. Russian drone strikes recently hit central and western Ukraine, including Cherkasy and Lutsk, causing infrastructure damage and fires. Ukraine’s air force downed nearly 300 drones overnight.
Zelenskyy also highlighted Kyiv’s cooperation with Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, to counter drone threats, emphasizing Ukraine’s growing role in regional security amid ongoing global tensions.(AP)