Battle in east Ukraine expected to be bloody and decisive

Donbas region now a key territorial objective for Russia

War in Donbas began in 2014 after Russia seized Crimea

The war in Donbas, or Donbas war, refers to the ongoing armed conflict in the Donbas region of Ukraine. The conflict began in April 2014, when a group of pro-Russian separatists seized government buildings in the region. The Ukrainian government responded by launching a military operation to retake control of the region. The conflict has since escalated into a full-scale war, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

The Donbas region is predominantly Russian-speaking, and after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, its proxy forces captured more than a third of Ukraine's territory. The conflict has now reached a stalemate, with neither side able to make significant advances. However, recent Russian troop movements in the region have raised fears that the conflict could escalate into a wider war.

If the fighting in the Donbas region escalates, it could have a significant impact on Ukraine's stability and territorial integrity. It could also lead to a wider conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which could destabilize the region and have a global impact.