Fighting Continues in Luhansk Despite Russian Occupation Claims

Russian claims of having fully occupied Luhansk Oblast and seized key positions in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast have been strongly refuted by Ukrainian officials and independent monitoring groups, who report ongoing battles and Ukrainian resistance in these areas. In Mariupol, a city under Russian occupation for over three years, residents challenge Russian propaganda portraying the city as recovered and normal, instead describing widespread destruction, precarious living conditions, and inadequate reconstruction efforts. Interviews with locals reveal that only limited facade repairs have been made on main streets for appearances, while most residential areas remain in ruins with damaged infrastructure, unreliable water supply, and significant health risks due to unsanitary conditions. The stark contrast between official Russian narratives and the lived experiences of Mariupol's residents underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the resilience of Ukrainians facing these challenges. Both Ukrainian authorities and independent observers continue to emphasize the importance of truthful reporting to counter disinformation amid the conflict.