Fight for Donbas continues as Putin demands Ukrainian troop withdrawal from Donetsk and Luhansk. This area, rich in coal and industry, is crucial for Ukraine. Zelenskyy refuses to relinquish territory, reflecting popular opposition among Ukrainians against ceding land to Russia. Control of Donbas has been sought by Russia since its support for separatist movements in 2014. Currently, Russia occupies around 88% of the region, including all of Luhansk and much of Donetsk, impacting both military strategy and the civilian population.
"Putin made full control of Donbas, Ukraine's industrial heartland, a central condition for ending the war, demanding a withdrawal from Donetsk and Luhansk."
"About 75% of Ukrainians oppose formally ceding any land to Russia, as Donbas remains a defining faultline of the peace talks."
"Russia holds about 17980 square miles of Donbas, including the entirety of Luhansk and about three-quarters of Donetsk, having escalated its influence since 2014."
"Donbas is an industrial heartland rich in coal and heavy industry and has historically leaned politically eastward due to its Russian-speaking population."
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