PoliticsUkraine
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
PoliticsUkrainehttps://p.dw.com/p/5PRE3
Could the Donbas region be the key to ending thewar in Ukraine? The Ukrainian territory, made up of Donetsk and Luhansk, has seen some of the bloodiest fighting of Russia’s war.
But both sides are refusing to walk away because of its critical military value, centuries-long economic history, and political importance.
We take a closer look at Ukraine’s Fortress Belt and explore the value of high ground in the age of drones.
We find out who can afford to give up the Donbas, taking a closer look at the origins of the conflict, Vladimir Putin‘s stake, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s refusal to make territorial concessions.
Through a military, economic and political scorecard, we answer the critical question: who needs the Donbas more, and could it unlock a future peace deal?
This report was published first on Sept 2, 2026 on the DW News YouTube Channel.
