Russia's aggressive campaign leaves Donetsk region devastated and under siege

In eastern Ukraine, the Donetsk region has been the focal point of conflict since 2014, escalating significantly during Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukrainian forces have been locked in a struggle against Russian-backed troops for over a decade, resulting in a tragic humanitarian crisis where nearly a quarter of Ukraine's internally displaced people originate from this severely affected area. A 33-year-old soldier lamented the loss of her childhood home while actively fighting to protect the region from further destruction, highlighting the deeply personal stakes of this prolonged war. Despite significant territorial losses, those defending Donetsk believe that the outcome of this battle could dictate the very future of Ukraine's sovereignty, making their resolve to continue fighting paramount. The intensity of the conflict is driven more by political motivations than military strategy, as both sides struggle for territorial control while thousands of lives are at risk. The frontline remains active, with the region's fate tied closely to broader geopolitical dynamics and the ongoing Russian campaign beyond just Donetsk, indicating that all of Ukraine could be at stake if this battle were to fall.