As talks over a potential deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war intensify, much of the discussion has focused on a part of the country’s east that has long been at the heart of Russia’s goals.
Made up of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Donbas is an industrial powerhouse rich in coal and metal deposits, and shaped by industrial towns and strategically important ports on the Sea of Azov.
Putin has reportedly demanded Ukrainian forces withdraw from Donbas, in exchange for a freeze along the rest of the frontline, while Zelenskyy has consistently rejected giving up any territory under Ukraine’s control.
Will Donbas become one of the defining fault lines of the peace talks?
SBS News is Australia’s trusted news source for the latest news from Australia and across the world.
Subscribe to the SBS News YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on X: https://www.twitter.com/SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbsnews
Apple News: https://trib.al/MTx0gUe
For the latest news, visit www.sbs.com.au/news
Network Terms & Conditions: https://sbs.com.au/terms
Privacy Policy: https://sbs.com.au/privacy
Feedback or complaints: https://sbs.com.au/complaints
