Could the Donbas region be the key to ending the war 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 will 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?
Chapters:
0:00 Could the Donbas be key to ending the war in Ukraine?
1:38 Donbas’ military value
2:08 2014 origins of the Donbas conflict
2:36 Ukraine’s Fortress Belt (Why high ground matters)
3:01 The price of the battles of Bakhmut and Pokrovsk
3:47 The military lies told to Putin
4:47 Does Russia need land bridge to secure Crimea?
5:34 Can Ukraine build a new Fortress Belt?
6:38 Military scorecard: Russia vs Ukraine
6:55 Coal, iron, steel: Industrial powerhouse
7:40 Ukraine’s GDP loss & Russian subsidies
8:36 Cost of demining, repopulation, reconstruction
10:30 Economic score: Asset or liability?
11:11 Political value: From Soviet vision to Putin’s dream
14:14 Why Kyiv rejects territorial concessions
16:08 Final analysis: Who needs the Donbas more?
#Ukraine #Russia #Donbas #dwgeopolitics
For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/
Follow DW on social media:
â–ºInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews
â–ºTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews
â–ºFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/
â–ºTwitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews
Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1