MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Liberation of Lugansk People’s Republic is about to complete, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said at the Ministry board meeting Friday.

"Groups of Russian Armed Forces, together with People’s Militias of Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republic continue expanding their control over Donbass territories. Liberation of Lugansk People’s Republic is nearing its end," he said.

According to Shoigu, Ukrainian Armed Forces seek to halt advance of Russian forces by holding residents of cities and settlements captive as human shields.

"While suffering defeat on the ground, the Kiev regime seeks to achieve at least short-lived successes, presenting them as major ones," the Minister underscored.