7685 visitors online
Tensions surrounding the Donbas region continue to escalate as Ukraine faces relentless demands from Russia for troop withdrawal. President Zelenskyy remains firm in his stance, rejecting any territorial concessions that would weaken Ukraine's strategic defense against Russian advances. The Donbas conflict has caught international attention, with the US and Europe weighing in on the potential repercussions. The geopolitical implications are vast, as Russia aims to leverage dialogues with the US to force Ukraine's exit, a move seen as crucial for both military and diplomatic strategies. Ukraine's resolve in the Donbas region highlights the high-stakes nature of eastern European stability.

Why is the Donbas region important in the Ukraine conflict?

The Donbas region holds significant strategic importance due to its location and resources. Its control is crucial for both Ukraine's security and Russian interests. The region has been heavily defended by Ukraine, and surrendering it could lead to further territorial advances by Russia and destabilize the broader region.

What is Ukraine's current position on withdrawing from Donbas?

Ukraine, under President Zelenskyy's leadership, firmly refuses to withdraw its forces from the Donbas. Zelenskyy emphasizes the vital defensive role this region plays, making any withdrawal a potential stepping stone for further Russian aggression, threatening not only Ukraine but also European stability.

How does Russia's demand for Donbas impact international relations?

Russia's demands for control over Donbas have deepened geopolitical tensions, resulting in international debates over sovereignty, security guarantees, and territorial integrity. It affects the dynamics between global powers, notably the US and EU, as they navigate support for Ukraine while managing relations with Russia.

Is there a possibility of a peaceful resolution in Donbas?

While diplomatic dialogues continue, a peaceful resolution remains complex. Ukraine's steadfast refusal to cede Donbas, coupled with Russia's strategic interests, keeps the situation volatile. International mediation efforts persist, though no clear agreement has yet been reached that satisfies all parties involved.

What role does the US play in the Donbas conflict?

The US plays a crucial role as a mediator and supporter of Ukraine. It continues to negotiate potential security guarantees and influences discussions around territorial concessions. The US's stance significantly impacts Ukraine's diplomatic strategy and the broader international response to the conflict.

How does the Donbas conflict affect the local Ukrainian population?

The ongoing conflict in the Donbas region severely affects the local population through military activities, displacement, and humanitarian challenges. Many civilians face security threats and economic hardships, adding to the urgency for a resolution that ensures their safety and restores regional stability.

show details

News Donbas

Ukraine rejects Russia’s demands regarding Donbas Ukraine will not accept Russia’s ultimatum regarding Donbas, - Sybiha Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine cannot agree to Russia’s demands to withdraw its troops from Donbas. 2 109 15 Previously in trend: Russia’s demands to end war

Zelenskyy made a statement about Putin and the occupation Putin understands that he cannot completely occupy Ukraine. He has huge losses, - Zelenskyy Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that dictator Putin is attempting to force Ukraine out of Donbas through diplomatic means—by engaging in dialogue with the United States—because he knows that a military solution would come at a very high cost to him. 1 680 37 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Zelenskyy on Putin

Zelenskyy warns against withdrawal from Donbas Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbas will open space for major Russian maneuvers – Zelenskyy Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbas would allow Russia to occupy our most heavily fortified territories without losses. 2 700 40 Previously in trend: Zelenskyy on territorial concessions Territorial concessions

Peskov: Russia is not setting a deadline for its demands regarding Donbas There is no deadline for withdrawal of troops from Donbas, - Peskov Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian dictator, stated that in order to "halt the active phase of the war," Ukraine must withdraw its troops from Donbas; however, Russia has not set any deadlines for this. 3 782 19 Previously in trend: Russia’s demands to end war

The Servant of the People party commented on the Kremlin’s demands: this is a signal to Trump Kremlin’s demands for Ukraine to "withdraw" from Donbas are signal to Trump, who is bogged down in Iran, - "servant of people" Chernev The statement by Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov that Ukraine must immediately withdraw its troops from Donbas is a signal to U.S. President Donald Trump. 5 834 25 Previously in trend: Russia’s demands to end war

Putin and Ushakov Withdrawal of AFU from Donbas would "open prospects" for ending hostilities – Kremlin Russia claims that the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the whole of Donbas would "open prospects" for ending hostilities. 6 183 126 Previously in trend: Russia’s demands to end war Putin’s threats

The Kremlin demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas: details Zelenskyy had to make decision "today" to withdraw troops from Donbas, - Peskov The Kremlin believes that Ukraine must withdraw its troops "today" from the parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions under its control. 9 721 71 Previously in trend: Fighting in the east Russia’s demands to end war

Russia’s demands regarding Donbas: Zelenskyy’s statement Russia says Ukraine has two months to "withdraw" from Donbas or there will be "different conditions" – Zelenskyy. VIDEO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia is demanding that Ukraine withdraw from the parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions currently under Kyiv’s control. 15 297 135 Previously in trend: Fighting in the east

Zelenskyy and Rubio United States is not demanding that Ukraine withdraw from Donbas in exchange for security guarantees. That is lie by Zelenskyy – Rubio U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called a lie President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s claim that Washington is ready to provide security guarantees in exchange for the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) from Donbas. 22 876 218 Previously in trend: Territorial concessions Security guarantees for Ukraine

Putin held a closed-door meeting with Russian oligarchs Putin’s closed-door meeting with Russian business: We will fight On 6 March, following the congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), Russian dictator Vladimir Putin held a closed-door meeting with representatives of big business. The meeting focused on the continuation of the war and its financing. 25 511 78 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas Kallas warned against Ukraine’s territorial concessions: U.S. approach is wrong, it is trap The European Union is concerned that the United States is pressuring Ukraine to give up territory in negotiations with Russia in exchange for security guarantees. 3 815 30 Previously in trend: Territorial concessions

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy US ready to provide security guarantees if Ukraine hands over Donbas to Russia, - Zelenskyy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the US is willing to provide Kyiv with security guarantees on condition that Ukrainian troops withdraw from the unoccupied parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. 20 905 256 Previously in trend: Territorial concessions Security guarantees for Ukraine

Donetsk region 62% of Ukrainians oppose giving up Donbas in exchange for security guarantees – KIIS poll. INFOGRAPHICS Most Ukrainian citizens reject handing Donbas over to Russian control in exchange for security guarantees from the United States and Europe. 4 827 140 Previously in trend: Transfer of territories Territorial concessions

Sergey Lavrov Russia will only be satisfied with entire Donbas region and change in current government in Ukraine, — Lavrov The Kremlin has stated that the Russian Federation seeks to "eliminate the root causes" of a full-scale war, and therefore Moscow will not accept a peace agreement that would allow the current government in Ukraine to remain in power. 9 152 87 Previously in trend: Territorial concessions Putin’s aims in Ukraine

Zelenskyy visited Donetsk region Zelenskyy arrives in Donetsk region: Russians are not giving up on war and are preparing offensive for spring. VIDEO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the Donetsk region on Friday, 6 March, and thanked Ukrainian defenders for protecting it. 5 085 58 Previously in trend: Situation at front Fighting in the east

Donetsk region I will never abandon Donbas and 200,000 Ukrainians who live there, - Zelenskyy Ukraine does not plan to abandon all its positions in Donbas, as key defensive points are concentrated there. The withdrawal of troops could create an opportunity for Russian forces to advance deeper into Ukrainian territory. 4 916 170 Previously in trend: Territorial concessions

Kremlin Russia will withdraw from peace talks if Ukraine does not give up Donbas, - Bloomberg In Russia, there is a growing belief that there is no point in continuing peace talks with Ukraine under the auspices of the United States if Kyiv is not prepared to cede territory in order to reach an agreement. 15 939 164 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations Territorial concessions

Zelenskyy commented on the possibility of territorial divisions Zelenskyy on territorial concessions: Russia does not win, and Ukraine does not lose in war President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine cannot regain its territories at this time, but Russia cannot win either. 2 770 39 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations Fighting in the east

Russia aims to seize Donetsk region by March, says Palisa Russia wants to occupy entire Donetsk region by end of March and open path to Zaporizhzhia – Palisa Russian troops intend to seize the entire Donetsk region by the end of March 2026 and then advance to occupy other regions. 4 454 28 Previously in trend: Putin’s aims in Ukraine Russian troops are preparing new offensive

Peskov Kremlin on talks with Ukraine: "Russia has not achieved all goals in war" The Kremlin stated that Russia "has not yet achieved all its goals" in the war against Ukraine, so the aggression will continue. At the same time, Moscow hopes for a diplomatic dialogue with Kyiv. 5 515 37 Previously in trend: Putin’s aims in Ukraine Ukraine and Russia talks

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy US and Russia have same demand for Ukraine to end war – to leave Donbas, - Zelenskyy The United States and Russia are pressuring Ukraine to withdraw its forces from Donbas as part of any agreement to end the war. 12 571 99 Previously in trend: Territorial concessions Russia’s demands to end war Peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy No positive progress on territorial issues, specifically Donbas, in negotiations yet – Zelenskyy President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Ukraine's negotiation group following two days of trilateral negotiations with representatives of the Russian Federation mediated by the United States. No progress has been made regarding the issue of territories. 1 917 41 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations negotiations with Russia

Putin believes in victory and wants to fight for another two years Putin still believes he is winning and is prepared to fight for Donbas for another two years, - NYT Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is prepared to fight for Donbas for two years in order to completely occupy it. 4 389 45

Zelenskyy Ukrainians will not agree to peace deal that cedes Donbas to Russia – Zelenskyy President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that the Ukrainian people will reject a peace agreement that would include a Russian demand for the unilateral withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from Donbas and the transfer of the region to Russia. 4 556 66 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations Zelenskyy on territorial concessions Territorial concessions

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy on "free economic zone" in Donbas: Ukraine must leave its territory — this is wrong President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again spoke out against the creation of a so-called "free economic zone" in Donbas, an idea promoted by the United States as part of efforts to end Russia’s war. 3 945 29 Previously in trend: Zelenskyy on territorial concessions

Zelenskyy Neither Ukraine nor Russia are enthusiastic about idea of creating free economic zone in Donbas, - Zelenskyy The United States is proposing to create a so-called free economic zone as a buffer in the Donbas to end the Russian-Ukrainian war, but Ukraine is cautious about the idea. 2 800 20 Previously in trend: Territorial concessions buffer zone

Will Ukraine give up all of Donbas? Donbas handover won’t stop war and will weaken Ukraine before new Russian offensive - New York Times Any concessions in the Donbas within the framework of a peace agreement will not stop the war, but will only allow Russia to build up its forces for a broader offensive deeper into Ukraine. 5 889 64 Previously in trend: Territorial concessions

Guterres on the principle of self-determination for Crimea and Donbas Principle of self-determination cannot be applied to Crimea and Donbas, Guterres rejected Russia’s attempts to justify occupation UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the principle of self-determination of nations cannot be applied to Crimea and Donbas, emphasising the primacy of the principle of Ukraine's territorial integrity. 7 524 29 Previously in trend: Occupation of Crimea Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Rubio, Trump Rubio on Donbas issue in peace talks: "This is still bridge we haven’t crossed" U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Russia’s territorial claims to Donetsk Oblast are a key issue that remains unresolved in talks on ending the war in Ukraine. 4 112 40 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations Territorial concessions

Security guarantees: US wants Ukrainian Armed Forces to withdraw from entire Donbas region US offers Ukraine security guarantees in exchange for withdrawal of Armed Forces of Ukraine from Donbas, - FT Security guarantees from the United States will depend on Ukraine's agreement to withdraw troops from the unoccupied territories of Donbas. 13 685 177 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations Security guarantees for Ukraine

Peskov about Donbas Peskov voiced Russia’s "important condition": Armed Forces of Ukraine must leave Donbas Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces must leave the Donbas region. 7 966 63 Previously in trend: Negotiations with the USA negotiations with Russia

Zelenskyy on the Donbas issue Donbas issue will be key at meeting in Abu Dhabi, - Zelenskyy During meetings in the UAE today and tomorrow between Ukraine, the US and Russia, the issue of Donbas will remain key to the discussions. 2 121 18 Previously in trend: Negotiations with the USA negotiations with Russia

The Donbas issue in the peace agreement We can’t just withdraw from our territories, referendum will not be positive, - Zelenskyy Ukraine cannot agree to cede its own territories in the process of peace negotiations with Russia, as such a move would contradict national legislation, public sentiment, and the actual situation in the temporarily occupied territories. 6 039 55 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations Transfer of territories Territorial concessions

Putin’s demands: he continues to demand the surrender of Donbas Putin continues to demand entire territory of Donbas, which Russia cannot capture, - Russian media Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia continues to demand the transfer of the entire territory of Donbas, which it is unable to capture, in negotiations with the United States. 3 664 33 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations Territorial concessions

Zelenskyy Zelenskyy for first time considered possibility of withdrawing troops from Donbas if Russia does same – WP Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has presented a new version of a peace plan that signals the country’s readiness to withdraw troops from the Donbas to create a "demilitarized zone," provided that Russia agrees to do the same. 7 574 161 Previously in trend: Territorial concessions Peace plan

Fighters from the 414th and 4th brigades hit two enemy MLRS in Donbas Madyar’s Birds and Svoboda Battalion destroy two Grad MLRS in Donbas. VIDEO On 23 December, fighters from the 414th Brigade "Madyar's Birds" together with the "Svoboda" Battalion of the 4th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine struck Russian equipment in Donbas using UAV drop munitions. 2 430 4 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment

Zelenskyy: Differences remain with the US over Donbas and the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant Donbas, ZNPP and reparations: Zelenskyy lists issues with no agreement with US The United States and Ukraine have not yet reached an agreement on Donbas and the status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. 5 985 38 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations

What will happen to Donbas? Zelenskyy said that the US is looking for a compromise US seeks compromise on Donbas, - Zelenskyy President Zelenskyy stated that the United States is currently seeking a compromise solution for Ukraine and Russia regarding Donbas. 2 048 33 Previously in trend: Territorial concessions

Russia refuses to make concessions on territory Moscow not going to make concessions on "five territories," - Russian Foreign Ministry Russia is ready for a peace agreement, but will not compromise on the "five territories" it has occupied in Ukraine. 19 800 135 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Territorial concessions

Negotiations with the US: The States want troops withdrawn from Donbas US delegation in Berlin insists on complete withdrawal of Ukrainian Armed Forces from Donbas, - AFP During negotiations in Berlin with the Ukrainian delegation, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner pressured Kyiv to transfer the Donbas territories still under the control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to Russia. 15 025 160 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations

Zelenskyy and Trump meeting Ukraine’s peace plan rejects withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas and refusal to join NATO, - NYT Ukraine's peaceful plan, sent to Washington this week, contradicts US President Donald Trump's proposal that Kyiv should agree to territorial concessions in order to end the Russian war. The 20-point counterproposal includes three documents. 15 511 184 Previously in trend: US peace plan Territorial concessions Peace plan

Zelenskyy, Trump US ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees based on NATO Article 5 in case of withdrawal from Donbas, - Axios Negotiations on security guarantees that Ukraine will receive from the US and Europe in the event of a peace agreement have made "significant progress." Donald Trump's administration is offering Kyiv a strong, legally binding guarantee based on Article 5 of NATO, which requires congressional approval. 7 526 165 Previously in trend: US peace plan Territorial concessions Security guarantees for Ukraine

ushakov, putin Russia may withdraw its troops from Donbas, but order will be maintained by Rosgvardiya, - Ushakov Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov suggested that Russian troops could be withdrawn from the occupied territories of Donbas, but that the territory would be guarded by the Rosgvardiya and Russian police. 7 775 47 Previously in trend: US peace plan

Demilitarized zone in Donbas: media reports that Ukraine has agreed Ukraine is ready to agree to "demilitarized zone" in Donbas, - Le Monde Ukraine is ready to agree to the creation of a demilitarized zone in the Donbas. 8 703 43 Previously in trend: US peace plan

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy on "free economic zone" in Donbas: Ukraine will not accept compromise from US President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the US's "compromise vision" regarding control over Donbas in the event of a peace deal must be fair to Ukraine.  13 879 61 Previously in trend: US peace plan Peace negotiations

USA, Ukraine US proposes demilitarised zone without requiring Russia to leave Donetsk and Luhansk regions, - FT The latest US proposals for a "peace plan" do not require Russia to withdraw its troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which are planned to be included in the demilitarised zone. 11 366 51 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Putin claims Donbas is Russian territory and invokes Lenin We will bring "special military operation" to "logical conclusion". Donbas has always been Russian territory – Putin Kremlin ruler Putin has claimed that Ukraine’s Donbas has supposedly always been Russian territory and that Moscow seeks to bring the war in Ukraine to a "logical conclusion". 9 750 64 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Putin’s statements about Ukraine

Zelenskyy Idea of swapping temporarily occupied parts of Donetsk region and ZNPP, proposed by partners, is not being considered, – Zelenskyy Ukraine has received a proposal from its partners to trade part of the temporarily occupied Donetsk region and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant for territories that Russia has not yet seized. Kyiv does not support this idea. 9 173 46 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Zelenskyy on the situation at the front