Russian forces have captured the eastern Ukrainian city of Lysychansk, according to a statement on Sunday by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, giving Moscow full control of the Luhansk region..
The capture of Lysychansk, which had been under heavy Russian bombardment for weeks, marks a significant victory for Russia in its months-long war in Ukraine. The city is a key industrial center and had been one of the last remaining Ukrainian strongholds in the Luhansk region..
With the capture of Lysychansk, Russia now has full control of the Luhansk region, one of the two provinces that make up the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. The Donbas has been a major focus of the Russian offensive since the start of the war, and its capture would give Moscow a significant strategic advantage..
The capture of Lysychansk comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Friday to block the export of steel and other ferrous metals from Russia until the end of the year. The decree is part of a broader effort by Russia to protect its domestic industries from the impact of Western sanctions..
The war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the global economy, particularly on the energy and food markets. Russia is a major exporter of oil and gas, and the war has led to disruptions in supply and higher prices. The war has also affected the supply of wheat and other grains, as Ukraine is a major exporter of these commodities..
The war in Ukraine has also raised concerns about the risk of a wider conflict between Russia and NATO. NATO has been providing military support to Ukraine, and has warned Russia that any attack on a NATO member country would be met with a collective response..
The war in Ukraine is ongoing, and it is unclear how it will end. However, the capture of Lysychansk is a significant victory for Russia, and it is likely to have a major impact on the course of the war..
