Putin declares victory in embattled Donbas region of Luhansk

Vladimir Putin listens to Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu’s report (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared victory in the eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk, a day after Ukrainian forces withdrew from their last remaining stronghold of resistance in the province.

Russia’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, reported to Mr Putin in a televised meeting on Monday that Russian forces had taken control of Luhansk, which together with the neighbouring Donetsk province makes up Ukraine’s industrial heartland of Donbas.