Why Russia Wants Donbas; What’s Its Importance For Putin?

Web Desk — Moscow has given the first indication that it could scale back its Ukrainian offensive, and focus on its “main goal, liberating Donbas.”

Vladimir Putin may be preparing Russians for a possible move from attempting to take over the capital of Kyiv to fighting for control of the east as his troops continue to suffer setbacks.

The “special military operation” will now aim to liberate Donbas, which borders Russia in the east of Ukraine.

Where is Donbas?

Russia borders the Donbas region in the east of Ukraine, which has been an important coal-mining region since the late 19th century.

It is critical to Russia’s vision for Ukraine since it contains areas controlled by Russian-backed separatist groups, including the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic, which Putin recognized before entering the country.

Due to its proximity to Russia, Donbas is perhaps the area of Ukraine in which pro-Russian or anti-Ukrainian sentiment is strongest.

Prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion, two-thirds of Donbas was controlled by Ukraine, and one-third by Russia.

As Putin launched his invasion, he claimed it was partly to “protect” the people of the Donbas from the abuse and genocide of the Ukrainian government, although no evidence supports such claims.