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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

Austria to allocate 2M euros in humanitarian aid for Donbas residents The decision was made following a visit of the OSCE chairman-in-office to the Donetsk region. 7 196 73 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine

OSCE set to expand observation area over entire Donbas territory, - Chairperson-in-Office Kurz OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Austrian Foreign Affairs Minister Sebastian Kurz is convinced that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) will continue to perform its functions under the current mandate, will expand its control over the entire territory of the Donbas and will primarily control the observance of the cease-fire. 6 838 28 Society

"Putin has long sought to return Donbas on his own terms," - Tuka As soon as the occupied territory is liberated, two to three years have to pass before local elections can be held in the Donbas. 72 329 259 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

ато Russian militants attacked Ukrainian troops’ positions 32 times yesterday, mortar-shelled Shyrokyne, Vodiane, - Staff The Russian occupying forces continue breaching truce in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area. A total of 32 assaults were committed over the past 24-hour period. 4 090 10 Incidents

маккейн "Putin understands only strength," – Senator McCain on possible "Kissinger plan" for Donbas Media reports say Henry Kissinger allegedly proposes lifting anti-Russian sanctions. However, the U.S. Congress will approve no action damaging freedom and independence of Ukraine or the Baltics. 119 187 194 Previously in trend: President Trump

"Ukraine will return Donbas next year," - Tuka Deputy minister on temporarily occupied territories and IDPs, former head of the Luhansk military-civil administration Heorhii Tuka believes Ukraine will return the Donbas in 2018. 87 678 302 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

ходаковский "200 killed, 300 wounded in Vostok Battalion in 2016," - terrorist Khodakovsky on enemy losses in 2016 The so-called Vostok Battalion participating as part of the Russian terrorist troops in the Donbas fighting lost 200 mercenaries in 2016. 154 221 194 Incidents

чубаров Pinchuk's 'painful compromise' is in fact capitulation; Ukraine will cease to exist, - MP Chubarov Oligarch Viktor Pinchuk offers not a 'painful compromise,' but a surrender. 63 996 171 Ukrainian Politics

пинчук Ukraine should abandon idea of joining NATO and EU, hold local elections in occupied Donbas, - Pinchuk Ukraine should take the situation in the Donbas as is and hold local elections. 268 673 1 367 Ukrainian Politics

военнослужащие ато широкино военне No one killed, three Ukrainian soldiers wounded yesterday, - ATO spokesperson Three Ukrainian military received injuries in the course of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in the east of Ukraine on Dec. 29. 4 971 7 Incidents

Militants use grenade launchers against fishermen on Vuhlehirsk TPP reservoir, wound 10 people, - Defense Intelligence Low morale and poor discipline in the ranks of militants lead to unreasonable use of weapons. 19 622 26 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

салат "It's cold and hard there. We want them to know we think about them," - volunteers prepared Olivier salad for soldiers in Donbas. VIDEO Concerned Kyivites have teamed up to organize a holiday for Ukrainian fighters in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area and prepared Olivier salad for them. 13 654 37 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

Troitske comes under shelling, has experienced water, power outage for 10 days, - OSCE Residents of Troitske, the Luhansk region, have been staying without electricity and water for 10 days now as a result of terrorists' attack on the village. 2 904 14 Ukrainian Politics

OSCE observers record "Cargo 200", “Funeral" trucks heading to Russia from occupied Donbas during battles at Svitlodarsk salient The OSCE Observer Mission operating at Russian Gukovo and Donetsk border crossing points (BCPs) recorded a van with a sign “Gruz 200” and several ambulances heading from Russian Federation to the Donbas and back between Dec. 20 and Dec. 27. 27 613 70 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

тандит Ukrainian government willing to swap 228 militants’ accomplices for 48 Ukrainian hostages The Ukrainian government is ready to give 228 persons to the so-called “DPR”/“LPR” in exchange for 48 Ukrainians held hostage by the militants. 14 276 120 Incidents

"We can meet in Luhansk, Donetsk and then Kyiv," - Savchenko says new talks with militant leaders being arranged Non-affiliated Member of Ukrainian Parliament Nadiia Savchenko plans further meetings with leaders of the terrorist organizations "DPR" Alexander Zakharchenko and "LPR" Igor Plotnitsky, expects to hold one of them in Kyiv. 77 373 398 Ukrainian Politics

карта ато 28 декабря Ukrainian forces’ positions came under 45 militants’ attacks yesterday, - Staff The Russian terrorists continue firing upon positions of the Ukrainian troops in all directions of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area in violation of the cease-fire deal. 4 295 11 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

"Receiving side seemed irritated," - Tandit on handover of 15 separatist supporters During the transfer of 15 persons convicted for terrorism in Ukraine, the people expressed gratitude while militants showed no signs of joy. 109 049 145 Ukrainian Politics

Militants mortared Krasnohorivka, Malynove, Balka Kruten'ka, - ATO Staff Russian occupation forces continue to openly ignore the cease-fire. As at 5 p.m., Dec. 29, 25 attacks had been registered in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area. 2 869 2 Ukrainian Politics

свеча Two Ukrainian soldiers killed, two injured over past day, - ATO speaker Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed and two more were injured in action on Dec. 28. 20 678 0 Incidents

Ukrainian positions outside Krasnohorivka hit by mortars, - ATO Staff Russian hybrid troops continue to breach truce and carry out attacks on Ukrainian positions. 22 cease-fire violations have been registered over the day. 3 552 10 Ukrainian Politics

карта ато 28 декабря Russian terrorists redeploy MLRSes to Svitlodarsk salient, - ATO speaker. MAP The Russian terrorists redeployed Grad multiple rocket launchers closer to the Svitlodarsk salient but have not used them yet. 68 115 114 Previously in trend: Svitlodarsk fighting

военнослужащие ато широкино военне No casualties in Ukrainian army yesterday, - ATO spokesperson No Ukrainian military were killed or wounded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in the east of Ukraine on Dec. 27. 3 320 3 Incidents

Many people in occupied Crimea look forward to Ukrainian authorities and army return, - writer Zhadan Ukrainian poet, writer and translator Serhii Zhadan believes that a great number of Crimean residents are looking forward to the return of the Ukrainian government. 44 533 125 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

карта Russian militants attacked ATO forces 44 times yesterday, used 122 mm artillery, large-caliber mortars, AA guns, APC, - Staff The Russian terrorist forces continue assaulting Ukrainian troops in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area despite agreed truce. 6 620 29 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

OSCE evacuated its patrol base from Svitlodarsk for two days due to shelling OSCE's Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) has been forced to evacuate its patrol base from Svitlodarsk, the Donetsk region, due to intensive shelling of the area. 4 819 21 Previously in trend: Svitlodarsk fighting

Militants use mortars in Mariupol, Donetsk sectors, - ATO Staff 29 attacks by Russian hybrid forces have been registered in the Donbas today. 3 716 12 Incidents

Kissinger recommends Trump to recognize Russia's dominance in former Soviet republics, lift anti-Russian sanctions, - Bild U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump brings a political heavyweight to his side. The legendary former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is positioning himself as a potential intermediary as Trump signals that he wants a more cooperative relationship with Moscow, 68 991 437 Oddities

вата Separatist state: inside "Donetsk People's Republic". VIDEO Separatist forces backed by Russia have been clashing with Ukrainian military since 2014, and the fighting on the front lines picked up last week. Jake Hanrahan of VICE News visited the self-styled "Donetsk People’s Republic" to see how the breakaway region is trying to establish government. 182 0 Previously in trend: War

турчинов Turchynov: 2017 to be decisive year in occupied territories liberation National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov believes that 2017 will be a decisive year in liberation of the occupied territories. 92 162 224 Ukrainian Politics

"We do not believe Minsk agreements to be ever fulfilled," - Polish Foreign Minister Waszczykowski Polish authorities render possibility of the Minsk agreements implementation doubtful. 9 064 27 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

военные военнослужащие ато воины воин муравский No one killed, two Ukrainian soldiers wounded, two captured by militants yesterday, - ATO spokesperson Two Ukrainian military were wounded, two captured by militants in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in the east of Ukraine on Dec. 26. 13 730 6 Incidents

армия донбасс рф оккупанты Russian occupant Alexander Yasinek seen in Donetsk with his family. PHOTOS Ukrainian volunteers revealed another Russian occupant, contract soldier Alexander Yasinek from the 232nd Rocket Artillery Brigade of the Russian Army stationed in the Donbas. 76 256 86 Previously in trend: Evidence of Russian aggression in Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

морпех "We see no difference. Everything’s as usual: grenade launchers, small arms, machine guns used against us yesterday. Militants keep approaching our positions," - Russian terrorists keep breaching truce. VIDEO The enemy continues breaching the cease-fire deal although it came into force in the Donbas more than 48 hours ago. 20 723 19 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

Two servicemen stray into enemy territory, no connection with them, - ATO Staff Two Ukrainian servicemen returning from a hospital have gone astray to find themselves in the terrorist-held territory. They are out of contact now. 53 132 99 Incidents

Shyrokyne hit by tanks, IFVs and 122 mm artillery, - ATO Staff 26 attacks by Russian hybrid troops have been recorded in the anti-terrorist operation area during the day. 7 534 30 Incidents

пропаганда ложь оккупанты обстрелы For OSCE's information: Russian invaders, propagandists faked attacks on Debaltseve allegedly committed by Ukrainian army. PHOTOS Media controlled by Russian authorities and “DPR”/“LPR” militants act as the Donbas terrorists’ accomplices. 67 063 26 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

тандит Process of transferring 15 people to Russian militants about to complete, - SBU head adviser Tandit Ukraine continues its efforts aimed at releasing its prisoners from the self-proclaimed Donbas republics. 8 427 118 Ukrainian Politics

Pope Francis calls to stop conflict in Donbas Pope Francis mentioned Ukraine and Syria in his Christmas Urbi et Orbi message. 9 197 65 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

ато One soldier wounded over past 24 hours in ATO zone, - Motuzianyk One Ukrainian military received injuries in Avdiivka, the Donetsk region. 4 220 17 Ukrainian Politics

ато 39 militants’ attacks reported yesterday, Talakivka shelled with large-caliber mortars It was reported about 39 militants’ attacks upon Ukrainian soldiers in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area over the past 24 hours. 10 330 38 Ukrainian Politics

блокпост Ukrainian checkpoint set in Novoluhanske village to prevent illegal traffic, - volunteer Shovkoshytnyi The Armed Forces of Ukraine established a checkpoint in the village of Novoluhanske in the Donetsk region. 57 295 67 Society

Boris Johnson welcomes introduction of cease-fire in Donbas The U.K. foreign secretary calls on all parties to implement the agreed cease-fire as a basis for lasting peace in 2017. 8 241 31 Ukrainian Politics

JCCC confirms introduction of cease-fire in Donbas Ukrainian representatives of the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) confirms the introduction of a comprehensive, sustainable, and 'indefinite' cease-fire in the Donbas at midnight on Dec. 24, 2016. 12 423 35 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

широков Andrii Shyrokov, father of five children, killed at Svitlodarsk salient, - volunteer Mysiahin. PHOTOS Soldier Andrii Shyrokov (call sign 'Family Man'), Dnipro City resident and father of five children, was killed in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone. 120 541 230 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Svitlodarsk fighting

ато Militants shelled Ukrainian positions 50 times over past 24 hours The militants continue to violate the Minsk agreements. 30 439 117 Ukrainian Politics

Ukrainian troops establish checkpoint at Novoluhanske village outskirts, - MoD The members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine established a checkpoint on the outskirts of Novoluhanske village in the Donbas. 67 599 173 Incidents

Poroshenko welcomes arrangement to cease fire in Donbas from Dec. 24 reached in Minsk President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko welcomes the agreement to cease fire in the Donbas effective from Dec. 24 that was reached at peace talks in Minsk. 14 428 214 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine