I didn’t say Luhansk was encircled. I said that Ukrainian forces controlled much of the city. Notice that the “rebel” defensive line ends at Luhansk. That’s because Ukrainian forces control northern Luhansk. Luhansk has been without water and electricity for weeks.
Donetsk remains encircled.
You are talking about the cliam that they held a northern suburb, that they placed a flag on. That turned out to be about ten guys in a Rec Unit, and they left as fast as they came in. A week ago.
The line is now to the north, along the river. Stanytsia-Luhanska is 25Km northeast of Lugansk, and the north line is near Schayste.
Luhansk, Ukraine
48.567242,39.290840
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?encType=1&where1=Luhansk%2c%20Luhansk%2c%20Ukraine&cp=48.5395011901855~39.279899597168&qpvt=lugansk+ukraine&FORM=MIRE
“Line” is a loose term is this conflict, it more like concentration points. Neither side has the strength for a “Line”, and they tend to flow back and forth.