Russia claims gains in Ukraine as US attention focuses on Iran war
Share this @internewscast.com

On Monday evening, Russia announced that it had gained control over the entire Luhansk region in Ukraine. If true, this would represent the first time since the start of its unlawful invasion three years ago that Russia has completely taken over a whole region.

However, Fox News Digital has been unable to independently confirm the statement made by Leonid Pasechnik, who is the Moscow-backed leader of Luhansk. Russian President Vladimir Putin had illegally annexed Luhansk in 2022, along with Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions.

As of now, Kyiv has not responded to Pasechnik’s assertions made on Monday evening in an interview with Russian state television Channel One. According to the Associated Press, Pasechnik mentioned receiving a report “literally two days ago” indicating that they had achieved “100%” control over the region.

Ukrainian soldiers stand in destroyed Luhansk region.

Ukrainian infantry man forward positions in the forest on Nov. 10, 2024, in Serebryansky Reserve, located about 8 kilometers southwest of Kreminna in the Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)

U.S.-led attempts to broker a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire appear to have stalled, and little communication has been reported between Washington and Moscow following Trump’s previous call with Putin in mid-June. 

Trump maintains that Putin is looking for a way to end the war, and told reporters during a NATO news conference last week, “I know one thing – he’d like to settle.”

“He’d like to get out of this thing. It’s a mess for him,” he added. 

But NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who has managed to establish a positive relationship with the U.S. president despite Trump’s previous criticism of the alliance, has warned that he estimates Putin has ambitions beyond Ukraine and could attack other parts of Europe within three to five years. 

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

President Donald Trump speaks with Secretary-General Mark Rutte as he arrives for a NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 25, 2025. (Piroschka Van De Wouw, Pool Photo via AP)

Trump gave Putin a two-week deadline in May to show he was serious about ending the war, or whether he is “tapping [the U.S.] along.”

But the deadline has long passed, and the president has not made clear what his next steps will be. 

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s questions on what the president plans to do next when it comes to U.S. attempts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, or when Trump plans to next speak with Putin. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Overgrown yard with a trampoline and stacks of bricks.

Father Claims He Built a ‘Bunker’ at Home to Protect His Silent Children, Aged 6 and 9, Found in Woods

THE FATHER of the “ghost children” who were discovered living in the…
The challenge the Nets are facing with their huge draft haul

The Dilemma the Nets Face with Their Vast Draft Collection

Having five first-round picks is a First World problem. But that doesn’t…
My husband is bad at sex — how do I break the news?

How to Communicate Constructively with Your Partner About Improving Your Intimate Life

DEAR ABBY: After facing years of setbacks, I’ve finally met the ideal…
He pioneered the cellphone. It changed how people around the world talk to each other — and don’t

He Revolutionized Communication: How the Cellphone Transformed Global Interaction

DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — Dick Tracy got an atom-powered two-way wrist…
Lawsuit says Trump's immigration crackdown has put LA 'under siege' in defiance of federal law

Lawsuit Claims Trump’s Immigration Policies Have Left Los Angeles ‘Under Siege,’ Violating Federal Law

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday accuses President Donald…
Crews respond to massive explosions at fireworks facility in California

Emergency Teams Tackle Huge Blasts at California Fireworks Site

A fireworks facility in Yolo County, California caught fire and exploded on…
A grieving father mourns at his son's funeral.

Trump Announces Israel’s 60-Day Ceasefire Agreement for Gaza, Urges Hamas to Accept, Warning of Escalation

DONALD Trump said that Israel has agreed in principle to a 60-day…
Florida bomb squad demonstrates damage fireworks can inflict using watermelon

Florida Bomb Squad Uses Watermelon to Show Potential Fireworks Damage

A Florida police bomb squad used explosives on various household items to…
Man with unique hairstyle wearing a sweatshirt with three kittens printed on it.

Man Exposes Shocking Plan to Marry Off 9-Year-Old Girl in Fake Disneyland Ceremony to British Predator

A man assigned to impersonate a “bride’s father” has shared how he…
Jury reaches verdict on 4 of 5 counts in Diddy trial but is told to keep deliberating

Jury Decides on 4 of 5 Charges in Diddy Trial; Instructed to Continue Deliberations

NEW YORK (AP) — In Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial, the…
Trump Wins $16M in CBS Lawsuit Settlement

CBS Agrees to $16M Settlement with Trump

Paramount Global settled a lawsuit with President Donald Trump for $16 million.…
Damian Lillard 'elated' Bucks made him a free agent

Damian Lillard Thrilled to Become a Free Agent Thanks to the Bucks

Damian Lillard isn’t too bothered by his Bucks release.  The Athletic disclosed…