Russia Orders Operational Pause , in Invasion of Ukraine, After Major Victory .br On July 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin br ordered a pause in the invasion of Ukraine br for Russian forces to "build up strength.".br 'Newsweek' reports that the announcement br comes after Moscow claimed a major victory br in capturing Ukraine's eastern Luhansk region. .br Putin made the announcement br during a meeting with Sergei Shoigu. .br The units that took part in active br hostilities and achieved success, victories br in the Luhansk direction, of course, should br rest, increase their combat capabilities, Vladimir Putin, Russian President, via 'Newsweek'.br On July 3, Ukrainian forces were forcedbr to withdraw from Lysychansk, the last br Ukraine-controlled city in the Luhansk region. .br On July 3, Ukrainian forces were forcedbr to withdraw from Lysychansk, the last br Ukraine-controlled city in the Luhansk region. .br Russian troops that fought through br Severodonetsk and Lysychansk very likely br do need a significant period in which br to rest and refit before resuming br large-scale offensive operations, The Institute for the Study of War (IWS), via 'Newsweek'.br It is not clear, however, that the Russian military will accept the risks of a long enough operational pause to allow these likely exhausted forces to regain their strength, The Institute for the Study of War (IWS), via 'Newsweek'.br It is not clear, however, that the Russian military will accept the risks of a long enough operational pause to allow these likely exhausted forces to regain their strength, The Institute for the Study of War (IWS), via 'Newsweek'.br Putin also ordered soldiers who br "distinguished themselves" in seizing Luhanskbr be rewarded for their service.br On July 5, Putin awarded the "Hero of Russia" br title to Major General Esedulla Abachev br and Colonel General Alexander Lapin.br According to state-run news agency TASS, br both soldiers played key roles br in the capture of Luhansk.