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Scottish Sun
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Why does Putin want the Donbas? How ‘fortress belt' region scarred by 11yrs of war is tyrant's top prize in peace talks
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PUTIN laid his cards on the table when he declared that he wants the whole of Ukraine's Donbas region in exchange for peace. The eastern zone, home to Ukraine's "fortress belt", would be a valuable prize for Putin with murderous potential - and one he has sought for over a decade. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 A member of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army patrol around the town of Velyka Novosilk Credit: Getty 8 Putin said he would freeze the entire frontline if Ukraine handed over the last remaining section of the Donbas Credit: Reuters 8 Fighting in raging on the frontline in Donetsk - which has seen unrest now for 11 years Credit: Getty 8 Since invading in 2022, Russia has overrun almost the entire Donbas - comprised of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. But one corner of the Donetsk region remains clinging on. The frontline there accounts for just a fraction of the whole conflict, but suddenly the last remaining sliver of land has been thrust to the heart of the peace conversation. At last week's Alaska summit, Putin declared he would freeze the frontline if Ukraine handed over the last remaining enclave of the Donbas. read more on the ukraine war SUITED… NOT BOOTED Trump pledges to protect Ukraine's security as Zelensky wins concessions But Kyiv has consistently rejected the idea of releasing any territory it currently holds - creating a major sticking point in the negotiations. But why is Putin so obsessed by this particular patch? The Donbas is Ukraine's industrial powerhouse and holds rich reserves of coal and metal underground. By taking it all Russia would totally suffocate the vital supply of those fossil fuels to Ukraine. The Donbas is also a crucial strategic location in the conflict. It is a gateway guarding the central heartland of Ukraine - built around Ukraine "fortress belt". Moment warped Russian soldiers taunt Ukraine by flying an AMERICAN flag into battle ahead of crunch Zelensky-Trump talks This refers to a run of fiercely-defenced towns and cities which Russia has so far failed to undo. The valley around the Kazenyi Torets river, which runs through the unconquered region, has been fortified into a defensive stronghold. Over more than a decade, defensive lines have been embedded into the terrain and the slopes measured up for artillery ranges. Ukraine's army knows every inch of the land - hence the Russians have been unable to penetrate it. 8 Zelensky, who met Trump in the White House on Monday, has vowed not to give over any more land to Russia Credit: AFP 8 In last week's Alaska summit, Putin made the Donbas region a key bargaining chip Credit: Getty With the Donbas out of the way, Putin's ranks would find it much easier to storm through and take large swathes of central Ukraine in any future attacks. The region also holds a very particular history which means Russia feels a particular claim to it. It has long been one of the most Russian speaking parts of Ukraine, and political loyalties there have sometimes landed in favour of Russia. Donetsk was the home and main power base of Viktor Yanukovych - Ukraine's former president loyal to the Kremlin. Yanukovych was toppled in 2014 and it was in the aftermath of this when Russia seized Crimea. Unrest raged for the next eight years, with a separatist movement fuelled by Russian guns. 8 Strikes on Ukraine continued even as Zelensky and EU leaders sat down with Trump in Washington Credit: Getty 8 A school in the Donbas destroyed school after a strike in the city of Bakhmut Credit: AFP Even though the people of the Donbas firmly backed Zelensky in 2019 votes, Putin used the protection of its residents as a key justification for his so-called special military operation. He recognized two breakaway territories — the self-declared 'Donetsk People's Republic' and 'Luhansk People's Republic' — before launching his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This thin excuse was debunked within hours when the marauding Russians advanced far beyond its boundaries. While the remaining piece of land demanded by Putin may be small, the future of a vast area would be destabilised if it falls into Russian hands. A former high-ranking Kremlin official previously warned: 'Putin has acted opportunistically; when he launched the invasion he had no fixed territorial limits in mind. 'His appetite grows once he's tasted success.'
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Why does Putin want the Donbas? How ‘fortress belt' region scarred by 11yrs of war is tyrant's top prize in peace talks
Putin marked the Donbas as a key bargaining chip during his Alaska summit with Trump BUFFER ZONE Why does Putin want the Donbas? How 'fortress belt' region scarred by 11yrs of war is tyrant's top prize in peace talks PUTIN laid his cards on the table when he declared that he wants the whole of Ukraine's Donbas region in exchange for peace. The eastern zone, home to Ukraine's "fortress belt", would be a valuable prize for Putin with murderous potential - and one he has sought for over a decade. 8 A member of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army patrol around the town of Velyka Novosilk Credit: Getty 8 Putin said he would freeze the entire frontline if Ukraine handed over the last remaining section of the Donbas Credit: Reuters Advertisement 8 Fighting in raging on the frontline in Donetsk - which has seen unrest now for 11 years Credit: Getty 8 Since invading in 2022, Russia has overrun almost the entire Donbas - comprised of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. But one corner of the Donetsk region remains clinging on. Advertisement The frontline there accounts for just a fraction of the whole conflict, but suddenly the last remaining sliver of land has been thrust to the heart of the peace conversation. At last week's Alaska summit, Putin declared he would freeze the frontline if Ukraine handed over the last remaining enclave of the Donbas. read more on the ukraine war SUITED… NOT BOOTED Trump pledges to protect Ukraine's security as Zelensky wins concessions But Kyiv has consistently rejected the idea of releasing any territory it currently holds - creating a major sticking point in the negotiations. But why is Putin so obsessed by this particular patch? Advertisement The Donbas is Ukraine's industrial powerhouse and holds rich reserves of coal and metal underground. By taking it all Russia would totally suffocate the vital supply of those fossil fuels to Ukraine. The Donbas is also a crucial strategic location in the conflict. It is a gateway guarding the central heartland of Ukraine - built around Ukraine "fortress belt". Moment warped Russian soldiers taunt Ukraine by flying an AMERICAN flag into battle ahead of crunch Zelensky-Trump talks This refers to a run of fiercely-defenced towns and cities which Russia has so far failed to undo. Advertisement The valley around the Kazenyi Torets river, which runs through the unconquered region, has been fortified into a defensive stronghold. Over more than a decade, defensive lines have been embedded into the terrain and the slopes measured up for artillery ranges. Ukraine's army knows every inch of the land - hence the Russians have been unable to penetrate it. 8 Zelensky, who met Trump in the White House on Monday, has vowed not to give over any more land to Russia Credit: AFP 8 In last week's Alaska summit, Putin made the Donbas region a key bargaining chip Credit: Getty Advertisement With the Donbas out of the way, Putin's ranks would find it much easier to storm through and take large swathes of central Ukraine in any future attacks. The region also holds a very particular history which means Russia feels a particular claim to it. It has long been one of the most Russian speaking parts of Ukraine, and political loyalties there have sometimes landed in favour of Russia. Donetsk was the home and main power base of Viktor Yanukovych - Ukraine's former president loyal to the Kremlin. Yanukovych was toppled in 2014 and it was in the aftermath of this when Russia seized Crimea. Advertisement Unrest raged for the next eight years, with a separatist movement fuelled by Russian guns. 8 Strikes on Ukraine continued even as Zelensky and EU leaders sat down with Trump in Washington Credit: Getty 8 A school in the Donbas destroyed school after a strike in the city of Bakhmut Credit: AFP Even though the people of the Donbas firmly backed Zelensky in 2019 votes, Putin used the protection of its residents as a key justification for his so-called special military operation. He recognized two breakaway territories — the self-declared 'Donetsk People's Republic' and 'Luhansk People's Republic' — before launching his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement This thin excuse was debunked within hours when the marauding Russians advanced far beyond its boundaries. While the remaining piece of land demanded by Putin may be small, the future of a vast area would be destabilised if it falls into Russian hands. A former high-ranking Kremlin official previously warned: 'Putin has acted opportunistically; when he launched the invasion he had no fixed territorial limits in mind. 'His appetite grows once he's tasted success.'
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Trump Says Xi Jinping Assured Him China Will Not Invade Taiwan During His Presidency
US President Donald Trump on Friday claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him Taiwan would not face an invasion during his presidency. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he did not expect China to take any action against Taiwan while he remained in office. "I will tell you, you know, you have a very similar thing with President Xi of China and Taiwan, but I don't believe there's any way it's going to happen as long as I'm here. We'll see," Trump remarked. According to Trump, Xi told him directly: 'I will never do it as long as you're president.' China Reacts To Trump's Remark Following Trump's remarks, the Chinese Embassy in Washington, in a statement issued Friday, called Taiwan 'the most important and sensitive issue' in U.S.-China relations. It urged the United States to adhere to the one-China principle, stressing that Washington should 'handle Taiwan-related matters with caution' and work to maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the broader U.S.-China relationship. Taiwan Detects Chinese Aircraft, Naval Vessels Near Its Territory Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported increased Chinese military activity near the island. By 6 a.m. local time on Saturday, the MND said it had tracked 21 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating in the vicinity of Taiwan. According to the ministry, 13 of those aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the island's northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In a post on X, the MND stated: "21 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 out of 21 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." Just a day earlier, on Friday, Taiwan had also reported the presence of seven Chinese aircraft and two naval vessels near its territory. China On Taiwan China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has vowed to 'reunify' the self-ruled, democratic island, even by force if required. Taiwan, however, firmly rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. ALSO READ: Putin's Diplomatic Win: Alaska Summit Fails To Halt Ukraine War, Sets Stage For Zelensky-Trump Talks
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ukraine to boost gas imports due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, Bloomberg reports
Ukraine plans to import about 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas for the upcoming heating season due to ongoing Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, Bloomberg reported on March 4. Recent Russian missile and drone strikes have significantly reduced Ukraine's gas production capacity, forcing the country to rely more heavily on imports to meet domestic demand. Damage to infrastructure has caused production drops of up to 40% at times. 'We are waiting for a final approval of the balance, which will define the projected volume of consumption, extraction, and imports of gas,' Roman Chumak, acting CEO of Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz, told Bloomberg. The country's gas buying plans come amid a volatile market marked by high competition and elevated prices due to Europe's need to replenish low gas inventories. In February, Ukraine imported 560 million cubic meters of gas from Europe, compared to just 700 million cubic meters for the entire previous heating season, Bloomberg reported, citing estimates from Kyiv-based Dragon Capital. Due to Russian strikes and extreme cold in February, Ukraine's gas production sharply declined, leading Naftogaz to urgently purchase significant amounts of natural gas from the European Union to meet critical heating demands. Tensions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump could potentially weaken Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian attacks, raising concerns about energy security, according to Bloomberg. Naftogaz and Ukrainian energy company DTEK confirmed to Reuters that Russian forces attacked and damaged their facilities twice in February. At the start of 2025, Ukraine halted its agreement with Russia to transport Russian gas to European customers through its pipelines, as the deal expired at the end of 2024 and was not renewed. Read also: US military aid freeze to Ukraine temporary, linked to Zelensky-Trump clash We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Italy to provide Ukraine with $13 million to restore energy infrastructure
Rome signed an agreement with Kyiv on Feb. 28 to provide Ukraine with 13 million euros ($13.5 million) directed towards the country's Energy Support Fund, Ukraine's Energy Ministry announced. The funding will be used to support "the restoration of Ukraine's energy sector," a news release from the Energy Ministry read. Russia continues to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure, testing Ukraine's resolve as the country is enduring another winter. "This assistance will allow us to procure essential equipment and strengthen the resilience of Ukraine's energy system at a time when the enemy is relentlessly attacking energy facilities," Ukraine's Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak said in a statement. Earlier this month, Italy an agreement with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to launch a 2 million euro ($2.07 million) project to strengthen Ukraine's energy system, the Italian Embassy in Ukraine told the Kyiv Independent. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office in late 2022, has consistently supported Kyiv and pledged unwavering assistance until the war ends. Material losses from on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have amounted to "billions of dollars," according to Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko. Halushchenko said on Feb. 24 that Russia has launched more than 30 mass strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure over the three years of its full-scale invasion. Over the past three years, Russian troops have occupied territories hosting energy facilities producing 18 gigawatts (GW) of generation. The occupied facilities include hydroelectric power plants, thermal power plants, and Europe's largest nuclear power plant, stationed in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Read also: Italy calls for 'immediate' summit between US, Europe following Zelensky-Trump clash We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
