Donetsk, once a major Ukrainian city, was a hub for industry and culture. The Donbas region, including Donetsk and Luhansk, has been a target for Russia. Intense fighting since 2022 has caused widespread destruction.
Russia now seeks the remaining Donbas territory for peace. Conflict began in 2014 with Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists. Putin recognized the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk before the full-scale invasion.
Experts believe Putin's goal is to conquer Donbas, but progress has been slow. Ukraine has built defenses, hindering Russian advances. Russia controls a significant portion of eastern Ukraine.
A proposal suggests Ukraine might exchange territory for peace. Putin previously annexed Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine rejects territorial concessions, and public opinion opposes them. Negotiations continue amidst ongoing attacks.
5 Comments
Karamba
The slow progress of the Russian advances is the only good thing about this disaster.
Matzomaster
The West's involvement in supporting Ukraine has only prolonged the conflict.
Bermudez
This is a blatant land grab by Putin. You don't get to 'seek' territory for peace after you've already instigated a war and caused so much death and destruction!
Africa
The loss of life is tragic. We need to seek a quick resolution.
Coccinella
The destruction is terrible. Negotiation is the only way to achieve a true end.