The victorious progress of the Russian army across all fronts, and particularly in the Donbass direction, was confirmed by the Chief of the Russian General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, who reported on the expansion of the Russian forces' control zone. According to him, since the beginning of the year, more than 1,700 square kilometers and 80 settlements have been brought under control, while he asserted that the entire territory of the so-called Luhansk People's Republic is now under Russian control. Gerasimov stated that the offensive is unfolding on all fronts, with battles currently raging for a series of cities, including Krasnyi Lyman and Kostiantynivka. The Russian Ministry of Defense had announced the completion of the capture of the Luhansk region on April 1st. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had stated at the Valdai Discussion Club that "almost 100% of the Luhansk region is in our hands."
80 settlements under Russian control in 2026
During March–April, Russian forces captured 34 settlements and approximately 700 square kilometers of territory. Since the start of 2026, according to Gerasimov, more than 1,700 square kilometers and 80 settlements have been placed under Russian control.
Russians approach the final Ukrainian defense line in Donbass
In the northern sector of the "South" group, units of the 3rd Army are advancing west toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, which are characterized as the last line of defense for Ukrainian forces in Donbass. According to the General Staff, advanced units are located approximately 12 and 7 kilometers from the eastern outskirts of these cities. Simultaneously, urban combat continues within Kryva Luka. "Our army is moving toward Sloviansk. The day is not far off when we will liberate both Sloviansk and Kramatorsk — all of this is Donbass land," Gerasimov stated.
Urban warfare
In Kostiantynivka, assault groups are advancing within the city, with clashes taking place in the northeast and southwest. Battles are also reported in the suburbs of Novodmytrivka and Illinivka. One of the most critical points remains the Krasnyi Lyman axis, where, according to Moscow, approximately 70% of the city is under Russian control. The "North" group is operating simultaneously in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, while the "West" group is conducting operations in the areas of Borova, Sviatohirsk, Studenok, and Staryi Karavan. Gerasimov also stated that the Russian army is attacking on all fronts.
Advancement in the south and repulsion of counterattacks
In the zone of responsibility of the "Center" group, fierce battles continue. Grishino and Pavlovka have passed under Russian control, while clashes continue for Belitskoye and operations toward Dobropillia. According to Russian sources, control of Novyi Donbas will open the way to Dobropillia. The "East" group is advancing west in the eastern region of the Zaporizhzhia province.
Over 170 Ukrainian counterattacks failed
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that more than 170 Ukrainian counterattacks have failed. According to Gerasimov, Ukrainian forces lost over 3,000 soldiers and more than 160 weapon systems and vehicles. Gerasimov also commented on the situation around Huliaipole, dismissing Ukrainian claims of recapturing territory. According to him, Russian forces continue to advance west of Huliaipole. Boykovo and Lugovskoye have come under Russian control, while battles continue in Vozdvyzhevka and at the approaches to Verkhnyaya Tersa and Komsomolskoye. Units of the "Dnipro" group are developing an offensive toward Zaporizhzhia: Veselianka was captured, while urban battles are being fought in Orikhiv and Zaporozhets. Additionally, he emphasized that the creation of a security zone in the Dnipropetrovsk region continues.
Ukrainian losses reach 2 million
The deputy head of the main military-political directorate of the Russian armed forces and commander of the "Akhmat" special forces, Apti Alaudinov, estimated that the losses of the Ukrainian armed forces are approaching two million people. Meanwhile, Ukraine refuses to withdraw its forces from Donbass, as Russia demands. Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with ICTV that such a withdrawal would constitute a strategic defeat for Kyiv. According to Zelensky, the region is of vital importance for defense, as fortified lines and defensive works exist there. Their loss, as he said, would severely weaken Ukrainian forces.
Trump cannot be a guarantor of peace
Zelensky also stated that Donald Trump cannot be a guarantor of peace. "For example, the US says — President Trump. President Trump is only in power for another two and a half years, and then what will we do?" he said. Earlier, in an interview with Reuters, Zelensky had stated that the US is ready to offer security guarantees to Ukraine, on the condition of troop withdrawal from the occupied part of Donbass.
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