U. S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that only one issue remains before an agreement can end the war in Ukraine, which is believed to be related to territorial claims, particularly regarding the eastern region of Donetsk. This area is partially controlled by Ukrainian forces, who hold about 20% of it despite Russian advances. Russia demands that Ukrainian forces withdraw from Donetsk, an area it claims to have annexed in 2022, though this annexation is not recognized by Ukraine or most countries.
Kyiv defends cities like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk within Donetsk, viewing them as crucial for its broader defense against potential further Russian advances. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy believes that relinquishing control of Donetsk would allow Russia to launch deeper attacks into Ukraine. Both sides have sustained heavy losses during the conflict, complicating any efforts to reach a compromise.
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The Donetsk Dilemma: Why This Region Is So Hard to Negotiate
Kyiv defends cities like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk within Donetsk, viewing them as crucial for its broader defense against potential further Russian advances.
