Donbas region

The Donbas region in eastern Ukraine is a key area in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. It's a historically industrial region with a significant Russian-speaking population. The Donbas has been a focal point since 2014, when Russia-backed separatists seized control of parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Currently, Russia is intensifying its efforts to fully occupy the Donbas, transforming occupied areas into a "huge military base." The strategic city of Pokrovsk is a site of heavy fighting, with Russia reportedly massing a large force. The fate of the Donbas is a major obstacle in peace negotiations, with polls indicating a growing, though reluctant, acceptance among Ukrainians of potential territorial concessions in exchange for strong security guarantees. Despite diplomatic efforts, including potential talks between Trump and Zelenskyy, Putin has stated Russia is ready to take the Donbas "by force," highlighting the region's continued significance as a major battleground and a key point of contention in the conflict.