Russian troops have declared that they have seized control of Luhansk Oblast in eastern Ukraine, and it is expected that fierce battles with the Ukrainian side will continue in the neighboring eastern Donetsk Oblast.
On the other hand, in the southern state of Kherson, which claims to have taken control, there is concern that the Russian side will unilaterally dispatch a person in charge of administration, and that the "Russification" of the southern part will further progress.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has declared seizure of the entire province of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, and is expected to concentrate its forces on the full seizure of the neighboring province of Donetsk.
In Kramatorsk, one of the Ukrainian bases in Donetsk Oblast, a large number of civilians gathered to receive bread and canned goods in preparation for the Russian offensive.
The British Ministry of Defense said in an analysis on the 5th that "at least two units of the Russian army have achieved effective coordination", pointing out that effective cooperation between units can be seen.
He added that the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Lysychans'k, the last base in Luhansk Oblast, was in line with the plan, "Ukrainian troops may return to the front line more quickly." He said that fierce offense and defense would continue in neighboring Donetsk Oblast.
President Putin instructed the operation to take control of other regions on the 4th, and one of the closest aides, Secretary of the Security Council Patrushev, also said, "Providing deadly weapons to Ukraine with Western military support. However, the goals of the military operation will be achieved, "he emphasized the continuation of the operation.
On the other hand, President Putin said, "A unit that has won a mission in Luhansk Oblast needs to take a rest and improve its fighting ability first." did.
Regarding this, the American think tank "Institute for the Study of War" said on the 4th, "In Russia, there are complaints about the treatment of soldiers, and it seems that President Putin has shown an interest in military welfare. Earlier, it is likely that they will need a considerable amount of rest. "
Meanwhile, pro-Russian forces unilaterally dispatched the number two executive in Kaliningrad Oblast in western Russia on the 4th, regarding the head of administration in southern Kherson, which Russia claims to have taken control of. With the announcement, there are concerns that the "Russification" of southern Ukraine will further progress.