Conflict in Ukraine: Donbas, the heart of Putin's ambition and the centerpoint of the Ukrainian war
The Donbas region in Ukraine continues to be an active conflict zone, with ongoing Russian offensives and Ukrainian forces pressing counteroffensives in parts of the area. As of late August 2025, the region remains a focal point of Putin's ambitions in Ukraine and a significant test for Europe as it tries to uphold a rules-based international order.
Historically, the Donbas region had a significant minority of Russian speakers. In the Soviet era, it was an industrial powerhouse, boasting coal mines, steel mills, rich farmland, important rivers, and a coastline on the Sea of Azov. However, since 2014, at least 1.5 million Ukrainians have left Donbas, and more than three million are estimated to be living under Russian occupation.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have not led to any agreement on territorial concessions in Donbas. Ukraine firmly rejects proposals to cede territory as part of a ceasefire or peace deal. President Zelensky strongly opposes any territorial concessions, viewing such moves as a threat that would enable further Russian advances. Although Ukraine indicated willingness to discuss permanent neutrality and security guarantees in talks, territorial disputes, particularly over Donbas and Crimea, remain unresolved.
Recently, Russia has gained some territory in Donbas, approximately 31 square miles between late July and early August 2025. However, Ukrainian forces have notably reclaimed positions near Dobropillya and continue to challenge Russian penetrations east and northeast of that area. Western countries continue providing Ukraine with military aid, enabling ongoing resistance against Russian advances.
The future prospects for Donbas hinge largely on the course of the war and diplomatic negotiations. Ukraine’s red line is to retain Donbas territory; it refuses to yield to Russian territorial demands despite military pressure. Russia aims to expand its control, using separatist proxies as leverage, but its recent gains have slowed and met active Ukrainian resistance. Negotiations have potential to involve discussions on Ukraine’s security status, but no credible signals indicate imminent territorial concessions by Ukraine, nor acceptance by the West of any such concessions under duress.
In summary, Donbas remains contested with ongoing fighting, no territorial settlement is in place, and Ukrainian leadership strongly resists ceding territory despite Russian military pressure and diplomatic talks. The situation is fluid, and the long-term resolution will depend on the outcome of military and diplomatic dynamics still unfolding in 2025.
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 30). Ukraine conflict: What's happening in Donbas? [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53951167
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 25). Ukraine, Russia fail to reach deal on ceasefire in Donbas, despite talks in Paris. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-russia-fail-reach-deal-ceasefire-donbas-despite-talks-paris-2025-08-25/
[3] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (2025, August 27). Ukraine Says Its Troops Repel Russian Attacks In Donbas. [online] Available at: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-says-troops-repel-russian-attacks-in-donbas/31598836.html
[4] The Guardian. (2025, August 26). Ukraine conflict: what's happening in Donbas? [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/26/ukraine-conflict-whats-happening-in-donbas
[5] The Washington Post. (2025, August 10). The U.S. is sending more military aid to Ukraine. Will it help? [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/10/us-military-aid-ukraine-russia-war/
- The ongoing war and conflicts in the Donbas region, a focal point in Europe, are a significant test for the world's commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order, with the war and diplomatic negotiations determining the region's future.
- While Russia has gained some territory in Donbas, General News revealed that Ukrainian forces have been actively countering Russian advances, pushing back in parts of the region and reclaiming key positions such as near Dobropillya.
- In the realm of politics and policy, Ukraine's leadership has been firm in its rejection of ceding any territory, including Donbas, to Russia. Crime and Justice are also involved as these conflicts are deeply rooted in issues of territorial disputes and power struggles.
