The President of Russia, Vladimir Putinordered Russian forces on Monday to continue their offensive in eastern Ukraineafter conquering the entire region Luhansk.
Russian forces “must carry out their missions according to previously approved plans,” he said. Putinduring a meeting with his defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, broadcast on television.
“I hope everything goes well in his direction as it has in Lugansk so far,” he added.
Shoigu indicated to Putin this weekend that Russian troops had complete control of the Lugansk regiona major victory for the Kremlin more than four months after the start of a military offensive in Ukraine.
Putin said on Monday that the troops that were part of the campaign in Luhansk they must “rest and regain their combat capabilities.”
Having abandoned his initial goal of capturing the capital kyiv after stiff Ukrainian resistance, Russia focused its efforts on gaining full control of the Donetsk and Luhansk in the east of the country. (With information from AFP and EFE)