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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.

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News Donbas

Russian proxies attacked Ukrainian troops 52 times in past day, used banned heavy artillery, mortars, - ATO HQ Russian proxies attacked Ukrainian troops 52 times in past day, used banned heavy artillery, mortars, - ATO HQ Combined Russian-separatist forces committed 52 attacks on Ukrainian military personnel over the past 24-hour period using weapons banned by the Minsk agreements. 5 869 22 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Russian proxies started the day with attacks on defenders of Vodiane, Marinka, Avdiivka, - ATO HQ Russian proxies started the day with attacks on defenders of Vodiane, Marinka, Avdiivka, - ATO HQ The Russian mercenaries have already committed four attacks on positions of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) forces along the contact line since the beginning of the day. 4 949 7 Incidents

Situation in Donbas aggravates: One Ukrainian soldier killed, one injured in 66 attacks by Russian proxies yesterday, - ATO HQ Situation in Donbas aggravates: One Ukrainian soldier killed, one injured in 66 attacks by Russian proxies yesterday, - ATO HQ Combined Russian-separatist forces continue violating truce in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone: Ukrainian army suffered losses in 66 militants’ attacks over the past 24 hours. 1 879 1 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukrainian army reports no battlefield casualties amidst 38 militants’ attacks in past day, - ATO HQ Ukrainian army reports no battlefield casualties amidst 38 militants’ attacks in past day, - ATO HQ Combined Russian-separatist forces kept breaching agreement on sustained ceasefire in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone yesterday by carrying out 38 attacks on the Ukrainian troops. 7 742 9 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

No one killed, three Ukrainian soldiers injured in 35 attacks over past day, - ATO HQ No one killed, three Ukrainian soldiers injured in 35 attacks over past day, - ATO HQ Combined Russian and terrorist forces committed 35 attacks on Ukrainian military personnel over the past 24 hours using weapons banned by the Minsk deal. 4 508 11 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukraine wants UN peacekeepers to disarm illegal armed groups, protect local residents, monitor military equipment in Donbas, - Poroshenko Ukraine wants UN peacekeepers to disarm illegal armed groups, protect local residents, monitor military equipment in Donbas, - Poroshenko Besides accompanying OSCE SMM observers in the Donbas, Ukraine wants to see UN peacekeepers disarming illegal armed groups, protecting local residents there, controlling the inflow and movement of military equipment, and monitoring the part of the Ukrainian-Russian border temporarily uncontrolled by the government. 25 603 102 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Turkey willing to take part in UN peacekeeping mission in occupied Donbas, - Ukraine Turkey willing to take part in UN peacekeeping mission in occupied Donbas, - Ukraine's Poroshenko met with Turkish president, FM. PHOTOS President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko arrived in Istanbul to meet with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. 26 589 73 World

No fatalities in Ukrainian army on Easter, five soldiers injured in 35 attacks committed by Russian-backed militants, - ATO HQ No fatalities in Ukrainian army on Easter, five soldiers injured in 35 attacks committed by Russian-backed militants, - ATO HQ Combined Russian and terrorist forces continued violating Easter truce in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone over the past 24-hour period by committing 35 attacks on Ukrainian military personnel using weapons banned by the Minsk agreements. 4 466 13 Incidents

Ceasefire in Donbas: Russian proxies attacked Ukrainian troops 27 times in past day, - ATO HQ Ceasefire in Donbas: Russian proxies attacked Ukrainian troops 27 times in past day, - ATO HQ Combined Russian and terrorist forces breached the so-called "Easter truce" 27 times over the past 24-hour period. 3 582 6 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukraine’s defense minister: No plans to take control of Donbas by killing thousands of civilians as Russia did in Chechnya Ukraine’s defense minister: No plans to take control of Donbas by killing thousands of civilians as Russia did in Chechnya The Joint Forces’ actions in the Donbas will significantly differ from the military operation that Russia conducted against Chechnya in the 1990s. 31 027 182 Incidents

Poroshenko pledges anti-terrorist operation in Ukraine Poroshenko pledges anti-terrorist operation in Ukraine's east to end in May The anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in the Donbas will gain a military format under the leadership of General Serhii Naiev. 54 391 239 Incidents

Portugal backs UN peacekeepers deployment in Donbas, Ukraine Portugal backs UN peacekeepers deployment in Donbas, Ukraine's defense minister says Portugal supports Kyiv's proposal to introduce a UN peacekeeping mission in the Russian-occupied Donbas. 2 176 3 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

No one killed or injured as Russian terrorists committed 20 attacks in past day, - ATO HQ No one killed or injured as Russian terrorists committed 20 attacks in past day, - ATO HQ The Russian-backed militants continue violating the so-called "Easter truce" in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone: 20 attacks on Ukrainian troops were recorded in Donbas over the past 24 hours. 4 813 5 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukraine Ukraine's Poroshenko to travel to Berlin April 10 to discuss peacekeeping mission with Merkel President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko elaborated on his upcoming visit to Germany on April 10, where he plans to discuss, among other things, the introduction of a peacekeeping mission. 38 688 212 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukrainian army reports 57 militants’ attacks involving mortars, IFVs, ATGMs, - ATO HQ Ukrainian army reports 57 militants’ attacks involving mortars, IFVs, ATGMs, - ATO HQ The mercenaries of the combined Russian and terrorist forces carried out 57 attacks on Ukrainian military personnel over the past day. 1 584 2 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Russian proxies committed 54 attacks in Donbas yesterday, caused no casualties among Ukrainian military personnel, - ATO HQ Russian proxies committed 54 attacks in Donbas yesterday, caused no casualties among Ukrainian military personnel, - ATO HQ Over the past 24-hour period, the Russian-backed militants fired upon the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) forces 54 times occasionally using heavy weapons banned by the Minsk accords. 5 931 9 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukraine Ukraine's ambassador to UN: We demand UN SC to take urgent action on peacekeepers deployment in Donbas Ukraine's Ambassador to the UN Volodymyr Yelchenko recalled the need to introduce peacekeepers to the Russian-occupied Donbas during the UN Security Council’s open debate on peacekeeping operations on March 28. 9 811 30 Ukrainian Politics

Tension in Donbas increasing again, - US Envoy Volker Tension in Donbas increasing again, - US Envoy Volker U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker says the situation in the Donabs was much better in the last few weeks, but now the tension is increasing again. 6 028 20 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Peace negotiators agree upon yet another ceasefire in Donbas starting March 30 Peace negotiators agree upon yet another ceasefire in Donbas starting March 30 The members of the Trilateral Contact Group resolving the armed conflict in Ukraine's east re-affirmed their full commitment to a comprehensive, sustainable and unlimited ceasefire, starting from March 30, 2018. 11 594 37 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Beach rigged with mines, not a single undamaged building: journalists show embattled Shyrokyne village. PHOTOS Beach rigged with mines, not a single undamaged building: journalists show embattled Shyrokyne village. PHOTOS Once a resort village, Shyrokyne, located 15 kilometers east of Mariupol is one of the hottest spots of the Russian-Ukrainian war. 20 049 46 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

Runaway Ukrainian oligarch Kurchenko gets monopoly right to purchase coal in occupied Donbas, - Russian media Runaway Ukrainian oligarch Kurchenko gets monopoly right to purchase coal in occupied Donbas, - Russian media Gaz-Alians, a company run by fugitive Ukrainian businessman Serhii Kurchenko, became the sole supplier of coal from the so-called “Dontsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” – the self-proclaimed republics in the Russian-occupied areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions better known as the “DPR” and “LPR”. 12 452 57 Economics

Ukrainian army reports zero cease-fire violations in Donbas for second consecutive day, - ATO HQ Ukrainian army reports zero cease-fire violations in Donbas for second consecutive day, - ATO HQ The Russian-occupation forces fully adhered to the ceasefire over the past 24 hours. 14 355 50 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

No one killed, one Ukrainian soldier injured, one traumatized amidst five cease-fire violations in past day, - ATO HQ No one killed, one Ukrainian soldier injured, one traumatized amidst five cease-fire violations in past day, - ATO HQ The Russian-occupation troops continue attacking Ukrainian Armed Forces despite the agreed cease-fire. 5 107 7 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

One Ukrainian soldier injured as Russian proxies fired shots near Novohryhorivka yesterday, - ATO HQ One Ukrainian soldier injured as Russian proxies fired shots near Novohryhorivka yesterday, - ATO HQ Combined Russian and terrorist forces continued breaching truce by using small arms against the Ukrainian troops in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone over the past 24-hour period. 4 272 5 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukraine’s FM Klimkin: Whole world except for Russia ready for peacekeeping mission in Donbas Ukraine’s FM Klimkin: Whole world except for Russia ready for peacekeeping mission in Donbas More than 15,000-strong peacekeeping force needed to be deployed in the Russian-occupied Donbas. 17 766 54 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

No battle casualties recorded in Ukrainian army over past day as Russian proxies violated truce four times, - ATO HQ No battle casualties recorded in Ukrainian army over past day as Russian proxies violated truce four times, - ATO HQ Yesterday, the Russian-occupation forces violated cease-fire deal in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone four times over the past 24-hour period. 7 759 8 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

No fatalities recorded in Ukrainian army in past day, one soldier injured in four attacks, - ATO HQ No fatalities recorded in Ukrainian army in past day, one soldier injured in four attacks, - ATO HQ The Russian-occupation forces repeatedly violated the terms of a comprehensive cease-fire over the past 24 hours by attacking positions of the Ukrainian troops. 4 867 5 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

One Ukrainian soldier killed, three injured amidst four attacks by Russian mercenaries in past day, - ATO HQ One Ukrainian soldier killed, three injured amidst four attacks by Russian mercenaries in past day, - ATO HQ The Russian-occupation forces violated the latest cease-fire deal four times in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone over the past 24 hours. 6 314 7 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

US Envoy Volker: Unwillingness to disband LPR/DPR shows unwillingness to implement Minsk agreements US Envoy Volker: Unwillingness to disband LPR/DPR shows unwillingness to implement Minsk agreements The purpose of the Minsk agreements signed by leaders of the so-called "Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics" is to restore Ukraine's territorial integrity and constitutional order. 27 883 99 World

No one killed, one serviceman injured as Russian proxies attacked Ukrainian troops three times in past day, - ATO HQ No one killed, one serviceman injured as Russian proxies attacked Ukrainian troops three times in past day, - ATO HQ A Ukrainian soldier was injured in three attacks by the Russian-occupation troops over the past 24-hour period. 6 002 16 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

No battle casualties recorded in Ukrainian army as enemy committed seven attacks over past day, - ATO HQ No battle casualties recorded in Ukrainian army as enemy committed seven attacks over past day, - ATO HQ No soldier was killed or injured over the past 24-hour period as combined Russian and terrorist troops committed seven deliberate attacks on Ukrainian Armed Forces’ positions. 4 512 12 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

No one killed or injured in past day amid two attacks by Russian-backed militants, - ATO HQ No one killed or injured in past day amid two attacks by Russian-backed militants, - ATO HQ No Ukrainian soldier was killed or injured as combined Russian and terrorist troops committed two attacks in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone over the past 24-hour period. 3 463 4 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

One soldier killed, one injured in five attacks Russian proxies committed in past day, - ATO HQ One soldier killed, one injured in five attacks Russian proxies committed in past day, - ATO HQ Combined Russian and terrorist forces carried out five deliberate attacks in the Donbas over the past 24-hour period resulting in one killed and one wounded Ukrainian soldier. 2 207 2 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Law designed to end Donbas occupation published in parliament’s journal Law designed to end Donbas occupation published in parliament’s journal The law on certain aspects of state policy to ensure Ukraine's state sovereignty in temporarily occupied areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions (the so-called "Donbas reintegration bill") was published in Holos Ukrainy parliament’s journal on Friday, Feb. 23. 44 819 202 Previously in trend: Bill on Donbas de-occupation

One Ukrainian soldier killed, one injured in action in past day, - ATO HQ One Ukrainian soldier killed, one injured in action in past day, - ATO HQ A member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was killed and another one received injury in attacks committed by the Russian militants in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone over the past 24-hour period. 3 953 4 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukraine Ukraine's troops kill enemy IFV near Russian-occupied Dokuchaivsk, - ATO HQ. VIDEO The infantry fighting vehicle crew was probably carrying out reconnaissance on the outskirts of Dokuchaivsk (the Donetsk region) controlled by the Russian militants. 52 572 238 Incidents

Chief of Staff: Allied forces operation replacing ATO to be headed by person having military tact Chief of Staff: Allied forces operation replacing ATO to be headed by person having military tact Ukraine's military leadership will head the allied forces operation (AFO) which the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in the Donbas is being reformatted into. 51 805 271 Ukrainian Politics

One Ukrainian soldier killed by reckless handling of weaponry, four injured and traumatized in action on Feb. 21, - ATO HQ One Ukrainian soldier killed by reckless handling of weaponry, four injured and traumatized in action on Feb. 21, - ATO HQ Three members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were injured in action over the past 24-hour period, another one received combat trauma a result of bombardment by the Russian mercenaries. 2 145 2 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukraine’s Poroshenko says Russia to pay increasingly high price until it withdraws its troops from Donbas, Crimea Ukraine’s Poroshenko says Russia to pay increasingly high price until it withdraws its troops from Donbas, Crimea The price of Russia's aggression against Ukraine will continue to grow until Russian troops leave the Donbas and Crimea. 30 474 157 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Sanctions against Russia

Two Russian mercenaries blown up on militants’ mine field near Svitlodarsk salient, - ATO HQ Two Russian mercenaries blown up on militants’ mine field near Svitlodarsk salient, - ATO HQ On Feb. 18, two members of the so-called 7th separate motorized rifle brigade of the combined Russian and terrorist forces triggered landmines while walking through a mine field the Russian-backed militants themselves deployed near the forward positions of the Ukrainian troops along the Svitlodarsk salient. 26 385 93 Incidents

US airstrike in Syria kills retired Russia’s GRU member previously fighting against Ukrainian forces in Donbas, - Russian propagandist. PHOTO US airstrike in Syria kills retired Russia’s GRU member previously fighting against Ukrainian forces in Donbas, - Russian propagandist. PHOTO Russian terrorist Zakhar Prilepin openly admits that the Russian “volunteers” receive salary for fighting against the Ukrainian government forces in the Donbas but many hired guns left for Syria when they were offered larger "fees" there. 53 157 250 Previously in trend: War in Syria Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

No one killed or injured in past day as Russian proxies committed 14 attacks in Donbas, - ATO HQ No one killed or injured in past day as Russian proxies committed 14 attacks in Donbas, - ATO HQ Combined Russian and terrorist forces somewhat increased the number and intensity of attacks over the past 24-hour period compared to the previous day. 4 832 7 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

58th Brigade soldier Dmytro Syskov killed in action in Donbas on Feb. 12. PHOTO 58th Brigade soldier Dmytro Syskov killed in action in Donbas on Feb. 12. PHOTO A member of the 58th separate motorized infantry brigade, Junior Sergeant Dmytro Syskov, was killed in action around 10 a.m. on Feb. 12. 7 808 6 Incidents

"This is first step to junk Minsk agreements," – Russia’s Lavrov on Ukraine’s law designed to put end to Donbas occupation "This is first step to junk Minsk agreements," – Russia’s Lavrov on Ukraine’s law designed to put end to Donbas occupation Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Ukraine will make a huge mistake by reneging on the Minsk agreements, if the bill on the reintegration of the Donbas is signed into law. 25 838 126 Previously in trend: Bill on Donbas de-occupation

PM Hroisman promises highest pensions for Ukrainian troops fighting in Donbas PM Hroisman promises highest pensions for Ukrainian troops fighting in Donbas Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroisman says all servicemen who took part in combat operations in the occupied Donbas will have considerable increase in pensions. 37 063 193 Incidents

US Mission in OSCE: Responsibility for hot war in eastern Ukraine rests solely with Russian Federation US Mission in OSCE: Responsibility for hot war in eastern Ukraine rests solely with Russian Federation Responsibility for re-establishing peace in eastern Ukraine rests squarely with the Russian Federation while it is Moscow which must show political will to end violence. 23 042 119 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

“Occupying country can in any way be peacemaker,” – Defense Minister Poltorak on Russia “Occupying country can in any way be peacemaker,” – Defense Minister Poltorak on Russia Ukraine’s Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak believes that the Russian Federation has not renounced its aggression against Ukraine but its extent will depend not on Ukraine and Russia alone. 14 264 42 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

No Ukrainian soldier killed or injured in past day in single militants’ attack near Kamianka, - ATO HQ No Ukrainian soldier killed or injured in past day in single militants’ attack near Kamianka, - ATO HQ The truce was observed all along the demarcation line yesterday except for the only fierce attack by the Russian-occupation forces on the outskirts of Kamianka village last night. 2 583 2 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine