Putin says ‘main’ goal is to capture Ukraine’s Donbas

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated that capturing Ukraine’s Donbas region remains Russia’s “main” military objective in the ongoing conflict. During a recent address, Putin emphasized the strategic importance of Donbas, which includes the contested regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, claiming it as central to Russia’s interests and a key target in the “special military operation.”

 

Putin’s declaration comes as fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have focused their efforts after failing to capture Kyiv earlier in the war. The Donbas region, long a flashpoint of tensions due to its significant Russian-speaking population and ongoing separatist movements, has seen some of the most intense fighting.

 

Ukrainian officials have condemned Russia’s continued aggression, arguing that the Donbas is an integral part of Ukraine and vowing to defend their sovereignty. Despite this, Russian-backed separatists and the Kremlin are pushing for full control, with Putin claiming the operation is aimed at “liberating” the area from Ukrainian forces.

 

The international community continues to urge both sides to seek a peaceful resolution, but with no signs of de-escalation, the conflict over Donbas looks set to continue in the months ahead.