Russian occupation troops have almost completed an operation to "liberate the LNR". At the same time, Russian troops continue to allegedly expand their control over the Donbas.

This was stated by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

"Groups of Russian armed forces together with units of the people's militia of the Luhansk and Donetsk people's republics continue to expand control over the territories of Donbas. The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion," he reported.

According to him, the Armed Forces of Ukraine allegedly do not let local residents out of cities and settlements and use them as human shields.

"Being defeated on the ground, the Kyiv regime seeks to achieve at least short-term successes in certain areas, passing them off as major," the minister said.

As a reminder, the Russian command has revised its plans, focusing on the capture of the Luhansk region. Earlier, the head of the Luhansk RSA Sergei Gaidai reported that the occupiers control about 90% of the territory of the region.

It also became known that the Russian government has created a special headquarters for Ukraine. He will deal with the issues of "restoration of the liberated territories".

"We have created a special staff, which included all interested bodies," said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

According to him, the staff will allegedly work to restore infrastructure damaged in the fighting.