A pro-Russian fighter holds up a Soviet-era flag Monday in front of a monument in the eastern Ukrainian city of Lysychansk that says “I love Lysychansk” in Russian. A day earlier, Russia claimed it had taken control of the city, the last major Ukrainian stronghold in the Luhansk region. Photo: IC Photo

Members of a Chechen special police regiment from Russia walk in Lysychansk on Sunday. Ukraine’s military announced Sunday evening that Ukrainian forces had been forced to pull back from the city. Photo: VCG

Pro-Russian troops ride a vehicle in Lysychansk on Monday. Photo: IC Photo

A destroyed Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile system sits in Lysychansk on Monday. Photo: IC Photo

A pro-Russian soldier stands next to a destroyed police vehicle. Photo: IC Photo

Local residents stand next to a building destroyed in Russia’s war on Ukraine in Lysychansk on Monday. Photo: IC Photo

A destroyed bridge linking Sievierodonetsk with Lysychansk, is seen from the city of Lysychansk on Monday. Photo: IC Photo

Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (right) tells Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday that the operation in Luhansk was complete after Russian troops took over Lysychansk. Photo: IC Photo