Russian officials, including Gerasimov, are reportedly spreading false claims about the complete occupation of the Luhansk region as part of an information campaign to support the ongoing war.

Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Cristina Gerasimov stated that global conflicts, including the ongoing war in the Middle East, could push the issue of EU expansion to a secondary or tertiary priority.

General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, stated on Tuesday that Russian invasion troops in Ukraine are advancing towards the "fortified belt" in Donbas, having conquered 1,700 square kilometers this year.

Russia announced it has taken control of 12 settlements in Ukraine during the first two weeks of March, according to Russian state news agencies citing top general Valery Gerasimov.

Gerasimov announced that Russian troops have completely liberated the Luhansk People's Republic and that the Joint Group of Forces is currently advancing in all directions.