Luhansk claims and Zolotonosha strike: Ukraine's regions on 1 April
A look back at reports on Russian claims in Luhansk Oblast, a deadly drone strike in Cherkasy Oblast and Moldova's CIS exit vote.
What was happening in Ukraine's regions in the days leading up to 3 April 2026? Reports from 1 and 2 April point to a contested front line in the east and civilian deaths far from it.
Competing claims over Luhansk Oblast
On 1 April, the Russian defence ministry said its forces had taken full control of Luhansk Oblast in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian military denied the claim. It said its 3rd Assault Brigade continued to hold a small number of positions near the front line.
Deadly strike in Cherkasy Oblast
Also on 1 April, a Russian drone strike killed four civilians in Zolotonosha, in Cherkasy Oblast.
Moldova leaves the CIS
On 2 April, Moldova's parliament approved the country's withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States. The government said the organisation's core values and principles, such as territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders, were no longer respected. It pointed to Russia's actions in the region, including the war against Ukraine and the illegal military presence on Moldovan territory.
