Vladimir Putin wants any settlement to end the Russia-Ukraine war to include taking control of Ukraine’s Donbas region. Why does Russia want the Donbas?

Why does Russia want the Donbas region?

August 18, 2025 · Fact Checking

As leaders of Russia, Ukraine, the United States and Europe met to discuss a possible Russia-Ukraine war endgame, one part of Ukraine drew increasing attention: the Donbas, an…