Donetsk region

The Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine is a focal point of the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year. Control of the region is a major sticking point in ongoing peace talks. Recent reports indicate escalating Russian attacks in areas like Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka, with Russian forces reportedly seizing villages in February. Life in Russian-controlled parts of the Donetsk region is described as harsh and dangerous. The region's significance lies in its strategic location and the potential impact on the war's outcome, as well as the agonizing choices residents face regarding their future if the territory is ceded. The region's status is a key element in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the US in Geneva.