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The situation in Ukraine's occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas remains tense as Russian forces maintain their control, leading to a complex humanitarian and geopolitical crisis. Reports have surfaced of Russian military fortifications, large-scale investments in infrastructure, and systematic efforts to integrate these regions into Russia's economic sphere. Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, have voiced concerns over the humanitarian disasters unfolding in areas like Oleshky, as residents endure severe shortages of essentials such as electricity and medicine. The international community is being urged to document alleged crimes and violations. Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions continue, with Ukraine steadfast in its refusal to compromise on territorial integrity, as reaffirmed by various international bodies. Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine's defense forces execute targeted operations against military infrastructure in these regions, striving to weaken the occupying forces' hold and signal resilience in the face of occupation.

What is the current situation in the occupied territories of Ukraine?

The occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and Donbas, are under significant strain due to Russian control. Local populations are facing dire humanitarian conditions, with reports of shortages in electricity, gas, food, and medical supplies. The geopolitical situation remains tense, with continuous efforts by Russia to integrate these regions into its economic and political framework. Ukrainian authorities, alongside international organizations, are calling for increased monitoring and intervention to address the humanitarian crisis and uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity.

How is Ukraine responding to the occupation of its territories by Russia?

Ukraine is actively resisting the occupation of its territories by Russia through diplomatic and military means. Ukrainian forces routinely conduct targeted operations to undermine the military capabilities of the occupying forces. Diplomatically, Ukraine remains firm in its stance against recognizing the occupation and continues to engage with international partners to seek support and reinforce its sovereignty. The government also emphasizes the importance of humanitarian aid and the documentation of occupation-related human rights violations.

What international reactions are there to the occupation of Crimea and Donbas?

International reactions to the occupation of Crimea and Donbas are largely supportive of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Key global organizations and nations have condemned Russia's actions and imposed sanctions aimed at deterring further aggression. There is a call for constant monitoring by international bodies to ensure human rights are upheld in these regions. Diplomatic dialogues, such as those led by the United Nations, emphasize the need for a peaceful resolution that respects Ukraine's borders.

How have recent events affected life in occupied territories like Oleshky?

In occupied territories such as Oleshky, life has become increasingly challenging due to the lack of basic necessities, such as electricity, gas, food, and medical care. The ongoing conflict has significantly damaged infrastructure, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. Efforts by Ukrainian and international bodies to address these conditions are hampered by limited access and the need for more comprehensive support and humanitarian missions to alleviate the suffering of the local population and document any war crimes.

What are the humanitarian concerns in Crimea and Donbas under occupation?

Humanitarian concerns in Crimea and Donbas are critical, with residents facing severe shortages of essential goods and disrupted access to services. These issues are exacerbated by ongoing military operations and restrictive measures imposed by occupying forces. Efforts to provide adequate humanitarian aid are continually challenged, prompting calls from Ukrainian and international officials for more robust intervention and access to document potential human rights violations and ensure the well-being of the affected populations.

What infrastructure damage has been reported in these occupied regions?

Reports from the occupied regions of Crimea and Donbas highlight extensive infrastructure damage, including critical facilities such as power plants and transport networks. This damage significantly impacts the daily lives of residents, reducing access to electricity, clean water, and transportation, and complicates humanitarian assistance efforts. Rebuilding and restoration efforts face significant challenges due to ongoing military activities and the strategic priorities of the occupying forces, which neglect civilian needs.

What diplomatic efforts are ongoing regarding the occupied territories?

Diplomatic efforts regarding the occupied territories involve continuous engagement between Ukraine and its international allies to seek peaceful resolutions while insisting on the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity. The international community, including top UN officials, repeatedly condemns the occupation and supports negotiations that respect Ukraine's sovereignty. These efforts highlight the need for adherence to international law and the pursuit of a diplomatic solution that acknowledges Ukraine's territorial claims.

What is the economic impact of the occupation on these regions?

The economic impact of the occupation in Crimea and Donbas is profound, with local economies suffering due to isolation from Ukrainian financial systems and international trade. Russia's investments in the regions aim to integrate them into its own economy, creating dependencies that further complicate potential reintegration into Ukraine. This strategy undermines Ukraine's efforts to regain control and hampers the regions' economic recovery potential, causing escalating poverty and unemployment rates locally.

What actions have Ukrainian defense forces taken in the occupied regions?

Ukrainian defense forces have been conducting operations in the occupied territories to counter Russian military activities and sabotage efforts, such as targeting military infrastructure and supply lines. These measures aim to weaken the occupying forces' operational capabilities and demonstrate Ukraine's resolve to regain its territories. Despite limited resources, these operations are crucial in maintaining pressure on the occupiers and supporting Ukraine's long-term strategic goals of territorial restoration.

Why is the issue of territorial integrity significant in the occupation of Crimea and Donbas?

The issue of territorial integrity is central to the conflict in Crimea and Donbas because it involves fundamental principles of national sovereignty and international law. The occupation challenges Ukraine's territorial boundaries and raises global security concerns, emphasizing the importance of respecting jurisdictions and preventing aggressive territorial claims. Maintaining territorial integrity is crucial for preserving national identity, stability, and political autonomy, making it a core focus of Ukraine and its allies in diplomatic negotiations and international discourse.

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Latest news Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

'Government employees' in occupied Donbas received texts messages with threats during recent sham elections, - MoD "State employees" received text messages with threats during the so-called "elections" in the temporarily occupied areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions held Nov. 11 while pensioners were handed out food packages. 3 703 27 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Ukraine gets proposals to abandon Crimea issue in exchange for Donbas, - negotiator Marchuk Ukraine gets proposals to abandon Crimea issue in exchange for Donbas, - negotiator Marchuk Ukraine representative to the work group on security issues at the Trilateral Contact Group, Yevhen Marchuk, says similar idea is voiced on the sidelines of various negotiation venues. 32 246 296 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

"We are jointly working to create a UN mission to achieve peace in Donbas," - Germany "We are jointly working to create a UN mission to achieve peace in Donbas," - Germany's Merkel at meeting with Ukrainian president Germany and Ukraine are working closely together within the format of the Minsk talks to resolve the situation in the Donbas. 3 268 17 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Crackdown on Crimean Tatars: another activist winds up in cell after last night’s police raid in his home, - Crimean Solidarity. PHOTOS Crackdown on Crimean Tatars: another activist winds up in cell after last night’s police raid in his home, - Crimean Solidarity. PHOTOS The police had been conducting a search in the house of Crimean Tatar Diliaver Gafarov in Perlyna Krymu village in the occupied peninsula from 3 a.m. today, Oct. 30. 2 832 7 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

US aircraft reconnoitered areas off occupied Crimea coast US aircraft reconnoitered areas off occupied Crimea coast U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy reconnaissance aircraft spent hours flying along the coasts of Crimea and the Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation on Sunday, Oct. 28. 13 047 68 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Mejlis head slams joint Ukraine-Russia fishing commission working in Kyiv, calls on SBU to expel head of Russian delegation. PHOTO Mejlis head slams joint Ukraine-Russia fishing commission working in Kyiv, calls on SBU to expel head of Russian delegation. PHOTO Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People and Member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction) Refat Chubarov at a meeting in Kyiv of the Ukrainian-Russian commission on fisheries in the Sea of Azov has declared the inadmissibility of such negotiations. 20 614 89 Previously in trend: Occupation of Crimea Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Crimean fishing vessel Nord detained in Ukraine to be auctioned off Crimean fishing vessel Nord detained in Ukraine to be auctioned off The Ukrainian National Agency for Tracing, Recovery and Management of Crime Assets (ARMA) transferred attached Nord fishing vessel to SETAM OpenMarket state-owned enterprise for sale. 2 924 14 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Up to 10 persons killed, 50 injured in explosion at Kerch-based college, - media. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Up to 10 persons killed, 50 injured in explosion at Kerch-based college, - media. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Sources indicate up to 10 people killed today as powerful blast rocked Polytechnic College in Kerch, Russian-occupied Crimea. (WARNING! Viewer discretion strongly advised!) 51 282 222 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Explosion in occupied Crimea

Ukraine never to make decision to turn Donetsk or Luhansk into Grozny, - Poroshenko Ukraine never to make decision to turn Donetsk or Luhansk into Grozny, - Poroshenko President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said that not a single Ukrainian politician, including himself, will ever decide to turn Donetsk or Luhansk into Grozny. 10 056 163 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Ukrainian soldiers retake village in Donbas used by Russian-led forces as firing-point. VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers retake village in Donbas used by Russian-led forces as firing-point. VIDEO Servicemen of Ukraine's Joint Forces have retaken an uninhabited village in the 'neutral zone' near the town of Volnovakha, the Donetsk region. 17 201 56 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Mass poisoning in Russian-occupied Makiivka: at least 39 hospitalized after drinking tap water Mass poisoning in Russian-occupied Makiivka: at least 39 hospitalized after drinking tap water At least 39 people, including two children, have been hospitalized after being poisoned by tap water in the Russian-controlled city of Makiivka, the Donetsk region. 6 082 32 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

SBU evacuates former "DPR agriculture minister" from occupied Donbas. VIDEO (in Russian) SBU evacuates former "DPR agriculture minister" from occupied Donbas. VIDEO (in Russian) Members of the counterintelligence department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out successful special operation to retrieve former "Minister of Agro-Industrial Policy and Food" of the so-called "Donetsk People’s Republic" from the temporarily occupied territory of the Donetsk region. 33 172 52 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Bird Bird's eye panorama of Titan Plant dubbed Crimean Chornobyl made public. PHOTOS Aerial pictures of the ill-famed Crimea-based Titan Plant were taken on Sept. 8. 33 489 29 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Two Ukrainian fishermen detained by Russian invaders off Syvash lake coast Two Ukrainian fishermen detained by Russian invaders off Syvash lake coast Russian border guards detained two Ukrainian fishermen on the Syvash lake for 48 hours to confirm their identity. 4 211 14 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

No water to be supplied in Crimea before Russia ends its occupation, President’s Envoy Babin says No water to be supplied in Crimea before Russia ends its occupation, President’s Envoy Babin says Ukrainian president's Permanent Representative to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Borys Babin says the water supply from Ukraine to Russian-occupied Crimea will be resumed only after the end of the paenninsula's occupation by the Russian Federation. 20 467 220 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

"Recipe is simple: take Goebbels’ strategies, add Rotenberg’s money and you’ll get Putin’s product," – lawyer Polozov on Russian propaganda in occupied Crimea "Recipe is simple: take Goebbels’ strategies, add Rotenberg’s money and you’ll get Putin’s product," – lawyer Polozov on Russian propaganda in occupied Crimea Well-known Russian lawyer Nikolai Polozov says there are no independent media in Russian- occupied Crimea while Russian propaganda has been turned into manufacture. 4 766 57 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

OSCE observers came under fire in non-government-controlled part of Donbas OSCE observers came under fire in non-government-controlled part of Donbas A patrol of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) was shot at on the north-eastern edge of the non-government-controlled town of Holmivskyi on the morning of Aug. 16. 7 072 27 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Russian FSB detains Ukrainian allegedly trying to enter occupied Crimea with handgun, ammo in her car Russian FSB detains Ukrainian allegedly trying to enter occupied Crimea with handgun, ammo in her car Members of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) claim they apprehended a Ukrainian national who allegedly tried to smuggle a firearm from the mainland Ukraine to occupied Crimea. 9 858 62 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

SBU counterintelligence apprehends "procurement officer" in charge of hardware, ammunition supplies to Russian militants in Donbas. PHOTO SBU counterintelligence apprehends "procurement officer" in charge of hardware, ammunition supplies to Russian militants in Donbas. PHOTO Counterintelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) carried out multilayered special operation to apprehend and retrieve from the temporarily occupied territory of the Donetsk region an active member of the Donbas-based illegal armed formations Vladimir Baklanov, call sign Ptitsa. 25 979 59 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

MP Iryna Herashchenko believes Putin’s confession about masterminding "referendum" in Crimea should be used in court MP Iryna Herashchenko believes Putin’s confession about masterminding "referendum" in Crimea should be used in court Ukrainian diplomats and lawyers must use in their future lawsuits the statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the fake "referendum" in Crimea being staged by Moscow. 25 326 109 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Drought in Crimea: occupants declare emergency in two more districts Drought in Crimea: occupants declare emergency in two more districts Drought emergency declared in the Dzhankoi and Krasnoperekopsk districts of Russian-occupied Crimea. 22 244 132 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Ukraine lost up to 90 percent of its fishing capacity in Black Sea due to Crimea occupation, - State Fisheries Agency Ukraine lost up to 90 percent of its fishing capacity in Black Sea due to Crimea occupation, - State Fisheries Agency Russia usurped up to 90 percent of Ukraine’s fishing capacity in the Black Sea after the occupation of Crimea. 12 885 41 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Almost 500 former "DPR"/"LPR" hostages reported torture, psychological abuse, - SBU Almost 500 former "DPR"/"LPR" hostages reported torture, psychological abuse, - SBU Ukraine’s Security Service collected testimonies of almost 500 Ukrainian citizens who were subject to physical torture and psychological abuse when held hostage in the self-styled "Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics" also known as "DPR" and "LPR" 1 067 1 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

"This is going to be a police operation," – Minister Avakov believes Ukraine to return Donbas soon "This is going to be a police operation," – Minister Avakov believes Ukraine to return Donbas soon Interior Minister Arsen Avakov predicts the Donbas to be soon liberated in a police operation involving no military. 42 185 314 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Almost 150 vessels to be unable to enter Sea of Azov over Kerch Strait bridge, - Mariupol Seaport chief Almost 150 vessels to be unable to enter Sea of Azov over Kerch Strait bridge, - Mariupol Seaport chief The bridge connecting occupied Crimean peninsula and mainland Russia makes completely impossible for 144 ships that earlier called at the Mariupol Seaport to enter the Sea of Azov. 56 288 233 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Bridge connecting occupied Khrustalnyi and Luhansk demolished in supposed powerful explosion. PHOTOS Bridge connecting occupied Khrustalnyi and Luhansk demolished in supposed powerful explosion. PHOTOS A bridge in Ivanivka – the village located in the part of the Luhansk region which is temporarily not controlled by the Ukrainian government - was blown up on the night of May 21. The destroyed bridge was a part of the shortest route between the cities of Khrustalnyi (formerly Krasnyi Luch) and Luhansk. 49 402 178 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Canada condemns construction and partial opening of Kerch Strait Bridge, FM Freeland says Canada condemns construction and partial opening of Kerch Strait Bridge, FM Freeland says The bridge that links Russia to illegally-annexed Crimea represents yet another violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Russian Federation. 15 790 41 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

"Yet another violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty," - UK condemns opening of bridge from Russia to Crimea "Yet another violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty," - UK condemns opening of bridge from Russia to Crimea British Minister for Europe Sir Alan Duncan condemned the opening of the bridge from Russia to Crimea, and highlighted the U.K.’s concerns about human rights in Crimea. 30 697 112 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

MP Vinnyk: Kerch Bridge not to endure long, Putin driving truck is like Lenin speaking from top of armored vehicle MP Vinnyk: Kerch Bridge not to endure long, Putin driving truck is like Lenin speaking from top of armored vehicle The bridge from Russia to occupied Crimea is an element of Russian propaganda campaign. It makes no economic sense while its design will be unable to endure long-term operation. 27 624 189 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Russian singer Surganova barred from Ukraine, - Border Guard Service Russian singer Surganova barred from Ukraine, - Border Guard Service Ukrainian border guards banned entry to another Russian singer as she was trying to cross the border at Zhuliany airport last night. The reason for the entry ban was her visit to occupied Crimea in violation of Ukrainian laws. 23 302 82 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Ukrainian vessel detained by Russian coastguards for Ukrainian vessel detained by Russian coastguards for 'illegal fishing' off Crimea coast The Ukrainian fishing vessel YMK-0041 homeported in Ochakiv, Ukraine, was detained by the Russian invaders in the Black Sea for allegedly unlawful fish capture. Five crew members were taken to Russian-occupied Crimea. 29 318 102 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Puitin’s confidant Odnovol placed in pretrial custody on treason charges Puitin’s confidant Odnovol placed in pretrial custody on treason charges The Kherson city court granted the petition of the Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and placed Olena Odnovol, who campaigned for Putin’s candidacy at unlawful election in Crimea, in pretrial detention until June 21, 2018 without bail option. 9 156 31 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

PACE recognizes Ukraine PACE recognizes Ukraine's Donbas being occupied by Russia The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a decision recognizing Russia's occupation of Ukraine's territories. 25 976 131 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Putin Putin's 'confidant' at Crimea elections caught at border with occupied peninsula. PHOTOS Ukrainian border guards detained Vladimir Putin's "confidant" at the de-facto administrative border with the occupied Crimea on April 23. The woman happened to be a holder of a newly-issued biometric passport of Ukraine. 46 407 183 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Russia pulls in troops for large-scale ground war: 260,000 military personnel, 3,500 tanks, 11,000 armored vehicles at Ukraine’s border, - Turchynov Russia pulls in troops for large-scale ground war: 260,000 military personnel, 3,500 tanks, 11,000 armored vehicles at Ukraine’s border, - Turchynov Russia continues using occupation of Crimea for building up powerful military capability on the peninsula and also amasses main attack force at the border with Ukraine getting ready to launch a large-scale ground war. 99 967 565 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas War

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. 25 628 102 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Russian diplomats tried to smuggle Nord vessel’s crew out of Ukraine. VIDEO Russian diplomats tried to smuggle Nord vessel’s crew out of Ukraine. VIDEO Ukraine’s Border Guard Service released footage showing the crew of the Russian fishing vessel Nord based in Kerch trying to leave Ukraine with the help of the Russian diplomats on the night of April 8. The vessel was arrested for unlawful calling into Crimean ports. 49 333 197 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Siemens management, German government pledge to prevent making operational turbines Russia smuggled to occupied Crimea, - FM Klimkin Siemens management, German government pledge to prevent making operational turbines Russia smuggled to occupied Crimea, - FM Klimkin German government and management of Siemens Corporation made a pledge to use all available judicial and political means to prevent putting into operation the turbines Russia illegally delivered into occupied Crimea. 23 345 80 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

"Drone has symbols of Wehrmacht on its wings," – Russian terrorists’ mouthpiece Basurin shows alleged Ukrainian UAV downed by militants. VIDEO "Drone has symbols of Wehrmacht on its wings," – Russian terrorists’ mouthpiece Basurin shows alleged Ukrainian UAV downed by militants. VIDEO A member of the breakaway terrorists-run "Donetsk People’s Republic" Eduard Basurin claims that a "Nazi" drone with symbols of Wehrmacht painted on its wings was allegedly brought down in the vicinity of Sakhanka village near Mariupol. 74 109 340 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

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. 11 626 37 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

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. 14 369 50 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Truce completely observed in Donbas in past 24 hours, - ATO HQ Truce completely observed in Donbas in past 24 hours, - ATO HQ The parties to the conflict completely observed cease-fire deal in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone over the past 24-hour period. 5 040 7 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Dzhemilev: Many Russians boycotted presidential vote in Crimea alongside Crimean Tatars Dzhemilev: Many Russians boycotted presidential vote in Crimea alongside Crimean Tatars Only 10 percent of Crimean Tatars cast their votes in illegitimate Russian presidential election in occupied Crimea while a high percentage of Russians joined the boycott. 10 248 31 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Reprisals in Russian-occupied Crimea

"Another Kremlin "Another Kremlin's attempt to legitimize aggression, annexation completely doomed to fail," - Ukraine's Poroshenko on Russian vote in Crimea Holding of the so-called presidential elections in the temporarily occupied Crimea by the Russian occupying administration is another brutal violation of international law by Russia. This is not surprising for a country that systematically and consciously opposes itself to the outside world. 36 088 173 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

"Crimea is Ukraine," - US State Department "Crimea is Ukraine," - US State Department's response to Putin’s remarks Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Heather Nauert responded to the claims of the President Vladimir Putin of Russia that the Crimean peninsula was allegedly unlawfully passed to Ukraine in the Soviet era. 65 279 349 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

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. 4 537 12 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

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. 53 241 250 Previously in trend: War in Syria Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

US Mission to OSCE: Crimea-related sanctions on Russia not to be lifted until Ukraine regains control over peninsula US Mission to OSCE: Crimea-related sanctions on Russia not to be lifted until Ukraine regains control over peninsula Acting Deputy Chief of U.S. Mission to the OSCE Michele Siders says sanctions imposed against Russia over Crimea will remain in place until Russia returns full control of the peninsula to Ukraine. 26 371 80 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas