Donbas: The object of Putin’s desire and the crux of the war in Ukraine

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CNN in Kyiv for funeral of Ukrainian soldier 2:16

As negotiations over a potential deal to end the war in Ukraine intensify, much of the discussion has centered around a part of the country’s east that has long been at the heart of Russia’s goals.

The Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk - collectively known as Donbas - were an industrial powerhouse in the Soviet era, a place of coal mines and steel mills.

But the Donbas region also has rich farmland, important rivers and a coastline on the Sea of Azov.

Historically Donbas was the most “Russian” part of Ukraine, with a significant minority of Russian speakers. On multiple trips to the area 10 years ago, it was clear there was little love f