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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

Russia showed Russia showed 'more openness' to peacekeeping mission deployment in Ukraine, US Envoy Volker says The U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker says Russia has shown more "openness" to U.S. suggestions on a possible UN peacekeeping mission in the Donbas, but Washington and Moscow remain far from striking a deal. 56 004 280 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Ukrainian soldier killed by militant’s sniper near Verkhniotoretske village on Jan. 27, - ATO HQ Ukrainian soldier killed by militant’s sniper near Verkhniotoretske village on Jan. 27, - ATO HQ Combined Russian and terrorist forces committed one attack on Ukrainian troops as of 6 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2018. 6 081 13 Incidents

US’ decision to give Ukraine anti-tank weapons based on Russia’s reluctance to end Donbas conflict, Ambassador Volker says US’ decision to give Ukraine anti-tank weapons based on Russia’s reluctance to end Donbas conflict, Ambassador Volker says U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker says the American authorities made a decision to provide Javelin anti-tank missile systems to Ukraine following the Russian Federation’s reluctance to take steps to end the conflict in Ukraine’s eastern. 47 570 310 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

US Envoy Volker says Russia should make policy decision to end conflict, establish peace in Donbas US Envoy Volker says Russia should make policy decision to end conflict, establish peace in Donbas U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker hopes the Kremlin will reconsider its position on the Donbas when it comes to the conclusion that the occupation of Ukraine’s territory is no longer in its interests but so far Moscow continues to deny its direct involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. 12 943 42 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Not a single militants’ attack recorded in Donbas yesterday, - ATO HQ Not a single militants’ attack recorded in Donbas yesterday, - ATO HQ No cease-fire violations were recorded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone yesterday for the first time in many months. 13 927 39 Incidents

54th brigade soldier Serhienko killed in mortar strike at Svitlodarsk salient Jan. 22. PHOTO 54th brigade soldier Serhienko killed in mortar strike at Svitlodarsk salient Jan. 22. PHOTO A member of the 54th separate mechanized brigade Serhii Serhienko died of severe shrapnel wounds he received in Russian mercenaries’ mortar strike that blanketed the Ukrainian troops’ positions at Svitlodarsk salient Jan. 22. 36 351 3 Incidents

Ukrainian Army reports one soldier killed as Donbas militants violated truce six times in past day, - ATO HQ Ukrainian Army reports one soldier killed as Donbas militants violated truce six times in past day, - ATO HQ The Russian-occupation troops were actively trying to invite retaliation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone until approximately 6:30 p.m. yesterday. No cease-fire violations were recorded since that time until the end of the day. 1 534 3 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Poroshenko: Donbas reintegration law not in conflict with Minsk agreements. PHOTO Poroshenko: Donbas reintegration law not in conflict with Minsk agreements. PHOTO The bill on special aspects of state policy to ensure Ukraine's state sovereignty in temporarily occupied areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions adopted by the Ukrainian parliament does not contradict the Minsk accords. 6 937 94 Previously in trend: Bill on Donbas de-occupation

Ukrainian Army suffered no losses in past day as Russian terrorists committed two attacks, - ATO HQ Ukrainian Army suffered no losses in past day as Russian terrorists committed two attacks, - ATO HQ No Ukrainian soldier was killed or injured as the Russian-backed militants committed two attacks in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone over the past 24-hour period. 1 259 4 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

One civilian killed, one injured as Russian mercenaries attack bus in Donbas’ neutral zone, - ATO HQ One civilian killed, one injured as Russian mercenaries attack bus in Donbas’ neutral zone, - ATO HQ The terrorists of the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic” fired upon a bus heading to Olenivka checkpoint located in the territory temporarily uncontrolled by the Ukrainian government on Jan. 21. A passenger was killed and one more was injured in the attack. 24 778 129 Incidents

Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Chopenko shot dead by enemy sniper in Donbas Jan. 17. PHOTO Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Chopenko shot dead by enemy sniper in Donbas Jan. 17. PHOTO Squad commander of the machine-gun platoon Oleksandr Chopenko was gunned down by an enemy sniper in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone on Jan. 17. 23 870 6 Incidents

Two Ukrainian servicemen killed, five injured in blast as their armored vehicle tripped unidentified explosive device in Donbas today, - ATO HQ Two Ukrainian servicemen killed, five injured in blast as their armored vehicle tripped unidentified explosive device in Donbas today, - ATO HQ Two anti-terrorist operation (ATO) fighters were killed and five more were injured in a blast that occurred when their armored vehicle tripped an unidentified explosive device on Wednesday, Jan. 17. 12 967 4 Incidents

Rada to continue considering Donbas-related bill today Rada to continue considering Donbas-related bill today Ukrainian parliament has no other issues on today’s agenda except for those aimed at putting an end to the Donbas occupation. 3 130 44 Previously in trend: Bill on Donbas de-occupation

War in Donbas triggered ‘silent’ HIV epidemic in Ukraine, - study War in Donbas triggered ‘silent’ HIV epidemic in Ukraine, - study The authors of the study published in the PNAS Magazine (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America) on Jan. 15 say the armed conflict in the Donbas has contributed to the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus in Ukraine. 24 111 180 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

No Ukrainian soldier killed or injured yesterday, Russian mercenaries committed three attacks, - ATO HQ No Ukrainian soldier killed or injured yesterday, Russian mercenaries committed three attacks, - ATO HQ The tension along the contact line has somewhat decreased over the past 24-hour period. However, the Russian-occupation forces still failed to fully observe the truce. 1 483 5 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Third Russian-made drone in latest truce downed by Ukrainian air defense units Third Russian-made drone in latest truce downed by Ukrainian air defense units Another evidence of Russian military hardware being used by the militants in the occupied Donbas was recorded on Jan. 14. An air defense unit shot down Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicle produced in the Russian Federation carrying out air reconnaissance in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone. This is the third UAV of this type downed since the beginning of the armistice commenced on Dec. 23, 2017. 19 098 148 Previously in trend: Evidence of Russian aggression in Ukraine

Hroisman considers Donbas trade blockade crime against state, says he would punish its masterminds if he could Hroisman considers Donbas trade blockade crime against state, says he would punish its masterminds if he could Ukraine’s Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroisman would have held accountable those who waged campaign to stop trade with the occupied Donbas if he had necessary leverage. 17 605 243 Previously in trend: Blockade of "DPR/LPR"

OSCE observers see signs of escalation in Donbas OSCE observers see signs of escalation in Donbas The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine recorded further increase in the number of violations of the Christmas truce in the Donbas announced on Dec. 23, 2017 8 488 20 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Last tribute to deceased Ukrainian soldier Anadymb to be paid in Chernivtsi region tomorrow. PHOTO Last tribute to deceased Ukrainian soldier Anadymb to be paid in Chernivtsi region tomorrow. PHOTO Volodymyr Anadymb, a Ukrainian soldier killed in the anti-terrorist operation Jan. 10, was survived by his parents, brother, wife and two children. 6 069 2 Incidents

Soldier Hennadii Vehera killed as his IFV tripped mine in Donbas on Jan. 10. PHOTO Soldier Hennadii Vehera killed as his IFV tripped mine in Donbas on Jan. 10. PHOTO Hennadii Vehera, a serviceman of the 34th separate motorized infantry battalion of the 57th separate mechanized infantry brigade was killed while accomplishing combat mission in the vicinity of Pisky village on Jan. 10. 21 272 2 Incidents

Heavily guarded motorcade including ambulance, meetings with Yanukovych clan and Russian senior officials, - Al Jazeera shows runaway Ukrainian oligarch Kurchenko’s daily routine in Russia. VIDEO Heavily guarded motorcade including ambulance, meetings with Yanukovych clan and Russian senior officials, - Al Jazeera shows runaway Ukrainian oligarch Kurchenko’s daily routine in Russia. VIDEO Serhii Kurchenko, the financier of fugitive Ukrainian ex-President Yanukovych, evades Ukrainian justice in Moscow and holds frequent meetings with the Russian officials. 36 404 67 World

Ukraine’s air defense downs Russian mercenaries’ drone - second one since truce in Donbas Ukraine’s air defense downs Russian mercenaries’ drone - second one since truce in Donbas Using drones in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone flagrantly violates the Minsk agreements and recently reached cease-fire deal. 18 234 102 Incidents

‘DPR’ terrorists gun down three persons in cafe in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai. VIDEO ‘DPR’ terrorists gun down three persons in cafe in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai. VIDEO The terrorists of the self-styled "Donetsk People’s Republic" shot dead three individuals in a cafe in the Krasnodar Krai of the Russian Federation. 48 585 170 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Released separatists enjoyed no warm welcome: they were packed into buses, locked up in dungeons, - Donbas militant on prisoner swap Released separatists enjoyed no warm welcome: they were packed into buses, locked up in dungeons, - Donbas militant on prisoner swap A pro-Russian separatist Maxim Ravreba says the representatives of the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” gave a not very nice welcome to their henchmen liberated in the prisoner swap on Dec. 27. 88 409 242 Incidents

No fatalities in Donbas over past day, two Ukrainian soldiers injured in action, - ATO HQ No fatalities in Donbas over past day, two Ukrainian soldiers injured in action, - ATO HQ Two Ukrainian soldiers received combat injuries in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone yesterday. 2 021 5 Incidents

Prisoner swap underway near Horlivka: “LPR” terrorists brought 16 Ukrainian hostages, - Hromadske Prisoner swap underway near Horlivka: “LPR” terrorists brought 16 Ukrainian hostages, - Hromadske Ukrainian government and Russian-backed militants of the self-proclaimed “Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics” started prisoner exchange near Maiorsk checkpoint in the vicinity of occupied Horlivka. 10 859 33 Society

Ukrainian Army reports one soldier killed, three injured, two traumatized in action over past day, - ATO HQ Ukrainian Army reports one soldier killed, three injured, two traumatized in action over past day, - ATO HQ Combined Russian and terrorist troops inflicted casualties among the Ukrainian Armed Forces yesterday. 4 734 4 Incidents

Bill on Donbas de-occupation ready for being adopted by Rada, - MP Vinnyk Bill on Donbas de-occupation ready for being adopted by Rada, - MP Vinnyk Half of the legal remarks of the relevant parliamentary department to the text of the draft law on the end of the Donbas occupation have already been implemented making the law ready for adoption by the MPs in January. 6 592 45 Ukrainian Politics

No Ukrainian soldier killed or injured in past day, militants used 120-mm mortars near Pavlopil, - ATO HQ No Ukrainian soldier killed or injured in past day, militants used 120-mm mortars near Pavlopil, - ATO HQ The combined Russian and terrorist troops insidiously attacked the Ukrainian servicemen with weapons banned by the Minsk cease-fire deal late yesterday despite mutual agreement to maintain truce on Christmas and New Year holidays. 2 698 8 Incidents

Member of 25th brigade Orikhivskyi killed in occupied Donbas Dec. 21. PHOTO Member of 25th brigade Orikhivskyi killed in occupied Donbas Dec. 21. PHOTO Ukrainian hero Oleksii Orikhivskyi had defended Ukraine from the aggression waged by the Russian Federation since 2014. He was killed near the village of Kamianka, the Donetsk region. 23 390 4 Incidents

Russia seeks making international community talk to its puppets in occupied Donbas, - Ukraine’s FM Klimkin Russia seeks making international community talk to its puppets in occupied Donbas, - Ukraine’s FM Klimkin Pavlo Klimkin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, believes the Kremlin is deliberately escalating the Donbas conflict and makes attempts to disrupt the prisoner swap. 5 664 25 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

25th brigade soldier Andrii Borysenko gunned down by enemy sniper in Avdiivka. PHOTO 25th brigade soldier Andrii Borysenko gunned down by enemy sniper in Avdiivka. PHOTO A serviceman of the 25th separate airborne brigade Andrii Borysenko was shot dead by the enemy sniper in the Donbas. 29 420 12 Previously in trend: Avdiivka fighting

Two Ukrainian servicemen killed in action in past day, six received battle injuries and traumas, - ATO HQ Two Ukrainian servicemen killed in action in past day, six received battle injuries and traumas, - ATO HQ Two members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were killed, five were wounded, and one was traumatized in action in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone Dec. 19. 6 271 6 Incidents

Russia Russia's withdrawal from Donbas cease-fire implementation tool is disgrace, US Special Envoy Volker says Russia's decision to withdraw its officers from the Joint Center for Control and Coordination of cease-fire in the Donbas is a disgrace and it demonstrates complete disregard for attempts to actually deescalate violence. 28 827 99 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukrainian Army reports no battle casualties in 16 enemy attacks over past day, - ATO HQ Ukrainian Army reports no battle casualties in 16 enemy attacks over past day, - ATO HQ The Russian-occupation troops continued violating the Minsk agreements by using barred mortars and heavy artillery against the Ukrainian soldiers. 1 983 8 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Eight Georgian Legion members wounded, shell-shocked in action at Svitlodarsk salient Eight Georgian Legion members wounded, shell-shocked in action at Svitlodarsk salient Eight soldiers of the Georgian Legion fighting against Donbas invaders were injured and got shell-shocked in a single enemy artillery strike at the Svitlodarsk salient. 12 583 81 Incidents

Current humanitarian situation in Donbas worst seen in three years, - US Department of State Current humanitarian situation in Donbas worst seen in three years, - US Department of State Washington is very much concerned about the sharp deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the Donbas due to constant bombardments of civilian infrastructure facilities by the pro-Russian forces. 4 854 62 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

One Ukrainian soldier killed, one injured in action over past day, - ATO HQ One Ukrainian soldier killed, one injured in action over past day, - ATO HQ One member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was killed in action and another one received combat injury in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone on Dec. 13. 3 153 4 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

No Ukrainian soldier killed or injured in 24 attacks recorded in Donbas over past day, - ATO HQ No Ukrainian soldier killed or injured in 24 attacks recorded in Donbas over past day, - ATO HQ The Russian-occupation troops continue to flagrantly violate the Minsk agreements by using prohibited mortars, tanks and heavy artillery in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone. 1 588 5 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukrainian military destroy chimney in Donbas used by Russian mercenaries for observation. VIDEO Ukrainian military destroy chimney in Donbas used by Russian mercenaries for observation. VIDEO The soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed a brick chimney in the neutral zone of the Donbas that the Russian mercenaries used as a look-out post. 61 329 233 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

Russian proxies breached truce 35 times in past day, fiercely shelled Butivka mine, - ATO HQ Russian proxies breached truce 35 times in past day, fiercely shelled Butivka mine, - ATO HQ The Russian-occupation troops continue employing mortars of various calibers against the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) forces in gross violation of the Minsk peace deal. 1 050 5 Incidents

Ukrainian Volunteer Army soldier Zelmanovych killed in action Dec. 10. PHOTO Ukrainian Volunteer Army soldier Zelmanovych killed in action Dec. 10. PHOTO A member of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army Viktor Zelmanovych lost his life in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone Dec. 10. 20 505 63 Incidents

Russian Colonel General Tkachev identified as key figure in MH17 downing, - Bellingcat. PHOTOS Russian Colonel General Tkachev identified as key figure in MH17 downing, - Bellingcat. PHOTOS Open source investigators determined the identity of 'Delfin', a key figure sought by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), the Dutch-led criminal investigation into the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 (MH17). The investigation has identified, to a high degree of certainty, Delfin as Colonel General Nikolai Fedorovich Tkachev, currently serving as the Chief Inspector of the Central Military District of the Russian Federation. 24 234 84 Previously in trend: Russian terrorists downed MH17

Russia seeks to create mission hindering OSCE efforts in Donbas, Ukraine’s FM Klimkin says Russia seeks to create mission hindering OSCE efforts in Donbas, Ukraine’s FM Klimkin says Russian presidential aide Vladislav Surkov is trying to smooth-talk U.S. Special Envoy on Ukraine Kurt Volker to agree upon a UN peacekeeping mission in the Donbas which in fact will obstruct activities of the OSCE Special Monitoring Commission (SMM). 8 436 30 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

25th Brigade soldier Andrii Pavlenko shot dead by sniper in Donbas yesterday 25th Brigade soldier Andrii Pavlenko shot dead by sniper in Donbas yesterday A serviceman of the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade’s 1st Battalion Andrii Pavlenko died of fatal injury inflicted by a sniper in the Donbas on Dec. 7. 18 340 0 Incidents

US Secretary of State: Sanctions to stay in place until Russia returns control of Crimea to Ukraine, withdraws military forces from Donbas US Secretary of State: Sanctions to stay in place until Russia returns control of Crimea to Ukraine, withdraws military forces from Donbas Washington is not going to lift anti-Russian sanctions until Kremlin returns control of the peninsula to Ukraine. 9 933 113 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

No normalization of dialogue with Russia observed today, US Secretary of State Tillerson says No normalization of dialogue with Russia observed today, US Secretary of State Tillerson says U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is going to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Vienna on Thursday amid growing pessimism about the prospects for the U.S.-Russia relations damaged by disagreements over Ukraine, Syria and Russia’s U.S. election meddling. 3 997 53 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

No battle casualties in Ukrainian Army in past day, enemy committed 24 attacks in Donbas, - ATO HQ No battle casualties in Ukrainian Army in past day, enemy committed 24 attacks in Donbas, - ATO HQ The situation in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone is under control of the Ukrainian troops despite the Russian-terrorist forces’ attacks with weapons banned by the Minsk agreements. 1 783 9 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine