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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

"Terrorists used backstab tactics," – Poltorak commented on withdrawal of militants from Shyrokyne The withdrawal of terrorists at Shyrokyne in the vicinity of Mariupol is a provocation against the Ukrainian military. 65 813 160 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

By attacking Ukraine, Putin found himself in quandary, - CIA Director Brennan By unleashing a war against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin found himself in a "bit of a quandary" in terms of implementing his strategic goals. 58 959 181 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

лысенко lysenko Russian troops intensely prepared for offensive in Donbas, - ATO spokesman The number of Russian career servicemen, including regular detachments of internal troops of the Russian Interior Ministry, is increasing in the territory of the Donbas controlled by the pro-Russian militants. 108 785 365 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Militants reduced number of attacks. Krasnohorivka came under mortar fire, - ATO press center The situation in the area of anti-terrorist operation (ATO) has stabilized as compared to the past day. 1 936 12 Ukrainian Politics

военнослужащие ато широкино военне No one killed, two Ukrainian soldiers wounded yesteday, - ATO speaker Two Ukrainian military received injuries in the course of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in the east of Ukraine on Feb. 24. 3 682 10 Incidents

nfylbn 133 Ukrainians held captive by pro-Russian militants, - SBU head's adviser Tandit. VIDEO The Security Service of Ukraine has announced that 133 Ukrainians are being held captive by pro-Russian militants in the Donbas. 2 408 16 Ukrainian Politics

OSCE monitors spotted van marked “Cargo 200" at Russian-Ukrainian border OSCE observers have recorded van with "Cargo 200" inscription on its side (code word referring to bodies of killed soldiers aimed for transportation in Russia) crossing the Ukrainian-Russian border. 20 683 108 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Sending MH17-killer Buk to Ukraine was approved by Putin, - Bellingcat expert Romein The decision to deploy in Ukraine the Buk air-to-surface missile system which downed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in skies over the Donbas in July 2014 could have hardly been made without direct approval/knowledge of Mr. Putin. 32 948 102 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Russian terrorists downed MH17

хаммер "War begins right after dusk. We anticipate no full-scale attacks as roads turned mushy," - Ukrainian soldiers near Vodiane. VIDEO The militants’ mortar strikes impacted positions of the Ukrainian servicemen near Vodiane and Lebedynske on the night of Tuesday. 19 329 11 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Militants continue attacks on Ukrainian army positions, use mortars and grenade launchers, - ATO press center Militants do not stop attacks on Ukrainian troops' positions at the Donetsk and Mariupol directions. 3 161 50 Incidents

Warlords Khodakovsky and Bezler face elimination by Russian special services, - SBU Militants Khodakovsky and Bezler are in danger of being liquidated by Russia's special services. 17 707 47 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

кадыров kadyrov Part of Yashin’s report on ‘Kadyrov's army’ and its involvement in combats in Donbas made public The armed formations in Chechnya are loyal only to republic head Ramzan Kadyrov and are not accountable to the Russian federal government. 78 692 212 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Assassination of Nemtsov

Terrorists focused attacks at Donetsk direction today, - ATO press center In the area of anti-terrorist operation (ATO), Russian terrorist forces continue to strike Ukrainian army positions, disregarding any accords. 2 486 7 Ukrainian Politics

Peaceful political solution to conflict in Donbas still vague, - Steinmeier and Ayrault Foreign Ministers of France and Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Jean-Marc Ayrault stress that the Minsk peace process is the only way to restore peace in Ukraine, stating at the same time the peaceful political efforts have failed to settle the conflict so far. 5 122 122 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Poroshenko designates troop pullout from Debaltseve one of best Ukrainian Army operations Ukrainian troops’ withdrawal from Debaltseve (the Donetsk region) in February 2015 was one of the best military operations carried out by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 35 964 339 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Debaltseve salient

ходаковский khodakovsky Terrorist Khodakovsky suggests his possible elimination by order of Moscow: "When it comes to Mozgovoy-Dremov scenario, please, do it more delicately" Former head of the Alpha detachment of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Donetsk region, who deserted to the terrorists, head of the “Security Council of the “Donetsk People’s Republic" and chieftain of the terrorists’ organized crime group Vostok Alexander Khodakovsky did not rule out his possible elimination by the order of Kremlin. 61 581 167 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

армия рф оккупанты “No seized Washington, D.C.; not even his native Arkhangelsk”: pages and photos of Russian saboteurs, who were killed near Mariupol, found online. PHOTOS Social networks accounts and photos of Russian army saboteurs who were killed at the Mariupol direction, according to Ukrainian Main Intelligence Department, have been revealed online. 196 530 301 Previously in trend: Evidence of Russian aggression in Ukraine

память ато Terrorists killed Ukrainian soldier yesterday – Motuzianyk One Ukrainian soldier was killed in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone over the past 24 hours. 14 145 55 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

'DPR' terrorists to start issuing 'passports' to residents of Donetsk region The 'DPR' terrorist organization will start issuing 'passports' to the residents of the occupied territories of the Donetsk region by the end of February. 37 314 250 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Fiercest militant’s attacks recorded near Krasnohorivka, Pisky, and Opytne today, - ATO press center The militants of the illegal pro-Russian armed groups continue assaulting the Ukrainian armed forces positions. 22 attacks were committed from midnight to 6 p.m. Feb. 19. 4 802 34 Incidents

зайцево Residents of Zaitseve lose their homes as Russian militants continue attacks on village. VIDEO Residents of frontline Zaitseve are driven to despair by hostilities and constant attacks on the village. 28 478 134 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

Russia-backed separatists continue blocking most humanitarian aid deliveries to Donbas, - US mission to OSCE The U.S. mission to the OSCE states that Russia-backed separatists continue to block most humanitarian aid organizations from delivering aid to those in need in the occupied territory of the Donbas. 3 807 29 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Situation near Marinka remains tense, - ATO press center The pro-Russian militants committed 20 assaults on the ATO forces’ positions today. 7 551 19 Incidents

Ukraine ready to share hybrid war experience to curb spread of aggression worldwide, - SBU Head Hrytsak The experience Ukraine gained during the hybrid war in the Donbas will help Western partners counter the spread of aggression in Europe and worldwide. 3 635 71 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

град "They tried to destroy our positions, used blast charges, not shrapnel," - Pervomaiske came under Grad fire. VIDEO Russian militants employed Grad rocket system to hit Pervomaiske village in the area of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO). 16 035 47 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

Militants employed mortars near Marinka and Opytne to attack Ukrainian troops’ positions, - ATO press center The militants of the illegal armed formations assaulted the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) forces’ positions 24 times since the beginning of the day. 2 207 10 Incidents

Putin: "Linking EU sanctions lifting to Minsk process completion meaningless" It is meaningless to link the lifting of the sanctions imposed by the EU against Russia to the settlement of the situation in Ukraine. 36 691 224 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Putin’s aide Surkov visited Donetsk militants to discuss personnel matters and fake elections in so-called "DPR", - SBU Russian President’s aide Vladislav Surkov paid a visit to occupied Donetsk on Feb. 16. 11 201 40 Incidents

авдеевка Ukrainian soldiers defending strategic highway leading to Donetsk undergo frequent militants’ attacks. VIDEO The Ukrainian servicemen of the 58th Brigade are defending from the Russian militants the strategic checkpoint on the highway leading to Donetsk. 28 120 34 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

Enemy employs more mortars. Strikes impact Krasnohorivka, Chermalyk, and Krymske, - ATO press center Pro-Russian militants have committed 24 attacks on the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) forces’ position today. Besides grenade launchers and small arms, the enemy is increasingly using mortars to assault fortified positions of the Ukrainian troops. 3 629 30 Incidents

свеча Three Ukrainian soldiers killed, seven wounded yesterday, - ATO speaker Three military were killed, seven wounded in the course of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) on Feb. 15. 49 382 179 Incidents

дети донбасс боевики террористы Militants from Moscow brought their child to Donbas, train him to shoot and kill, - blogger. PHOTOS Terrorists in the Donbas engage children in their activities. 51 601 155 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Number of enemy mortar strikes on Ukrainian troops’ positions in Donbas increased, - ATO press center Pro-Russian gangs do not stop shelling strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area. The enemy has increased the number of mortar strikes. 4 396 24 Incidents

грицак Russian Federation attempts creating 3rd army corps in Rostov region with Ukrainian citizens, - SBU Head The Russian Federation has been creating the 3rd army corps in the Rostov region, Russia, since December 2015, which is to be manned with citizens of Ukraine. 81 409 292 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Sanctions can only be lifted if Russia fundamentally changes its policies in Ukraine, – Bundestag's Röttgen Sanctions against Russia should be maintained until the Russian Federation changes its policy towards Ukraine. 6 247 77 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

'DPR' refuses to exchange prisoners because Ukraine does not grant amnesty to terrorists Ukraine does not want to grant amnesty to the terrorists in the Donbas and to exchange prisoners according to the all-for-all formula, while 'DPR' does not agree for an exchange without amnesty. 17 735 163 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Russia disrupts funding of its soldiers in Donbas Russian curators delay or cease financing of theirs troops for participation in hostilities in the occupied Donbas. 23 464 95 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Five Ukrainian soldiers wounded near Marinka in terrorists' shelling Five Ukrainian soldiers were wounded by terrorists in shelling in the Marinka district (the Donetsk region). 4 817 30 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Strengthening of NATO's presence in Eastern Europe is necessary because of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, – Duda Greater presence of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Eastern Europe is a necessary step due to the aggressive Russian actions towards its neighbors, Ukraine in particular. 7 254 27 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Russian military came under 'friendly' fire in Donetsk region, – Lysenko Six Russian soldiers were killed and 12 were injured in a 'friendly' fire attack in the Donetsk region. 79 217 136 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

роевский “There are Russian soldiers in Donbas – that’s a given. Without them, Ukrainian Army would leave separatists in tatters in a few hours,” - Russian ‘DPR’ militant Raevskiy Russian militant Anton Raevskiy, who fought in the Donbas for the so-called ‘Donetsk People's Republic,’ gave up all hopes on the “People's Republics”. 111 072 167 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Militants hit Svobodne village during exercises, wounded locals, - ATO press center "DPR"-gunners have once again shelled civilians. 9 222 43 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Militants continued attacks today, used IFV weaponry near Krasnohorivka, - ATO press center Pro-Russian gangs continue attacks on Ukrainian army positions in the area of anti-terrorist operation (ATO). 2 965 15 Ukrainian Politics

Ukraine made commitments to amend constitution on Donbas status and now obliged to fulfill these half-way agreements, - Foreign Ministry The Minsk agreements are the result of hard four-party talks and compromise. Therefore, there is no perfect solution to the situation in the Donbas for Ukraine. 37 211 353 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Amendments to Constitution

New cease-fire violations recorded over day. Militants used anti-aircraft gun near Maiorsk, - ATO press center Since the beginning of the day, pro-Russian terrorists 20 times fired on Ukrainian army positions. 4 323 12 Ukrainian Politics

Donbas infrastructure intentionally destroyed, Russians leave scorched earth behind, - Governor Tuka Some Ukrainian enterprises in the territory occupied by terrorists are taken out and re-assembled in Russia; some are sold for scrap. 14 920 79 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

"DPR" terrorists’ leader orders to intensify attacks on Ukrainian troops’ positions, - InfoResist The major part of the “LPR” forces is on high alert. The leader of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” has signed the "order No.16" on intensification of assaults on the Ukrainian forces’ positions at several sections of the front, where the militants’ detachments of the "1st Army Corps of the “DPR” operate. 23 697 50 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Terrorists continue attacks on Ukrainian army positions, fire mortars near Krasnohorivka, - ATO press center During the entire day, pro-Russian criminals continued attacks on Ukrainian army positions. 1 524 5 Ukrainian Politics