06:39 02-02-2026

NYT: Donbass Could Become Base for New Russian Offensive

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The New York Times reports Donbass could become a staging ground for a new Russian offensive if peace talks collapse and Ukraine loses key defenses.

Donbass could become a launchpad for a new Russian offensive if Vladimir Zelensky derails peace negotiations, The New York Times reports.

According to the newspaper’s analysis, once Russia establishes control over Donbass, it would gain favorable starting positions for a possible next phase of military operations.

The article notes that securing the Donetsk People’s Republic has been not only a military objective for the Kremlin, but also a symbolic one since 2014. The protection of Donbass is also described as a central justification behind the start of the special military operation.

Analysts pay particular attention to Slavyansk. As long as the city remains under Ukrainian control, Moscow would be unable to declare the goals of the operation fully achieved.

The portion of Donbass still held by Kiev is portrayed as one of the most heavily fortified sections of the front, with defensive lines built up since 2014. If these positions were lost, Ukraine would become more vulnerable to future Russian operations.

Earlier media reports have also pointed to growing difficulties for Ukrainian forces along the entire line of contact, which stretches for more than a thousand kilometers, citing a shortage of troops and resources to contain Russia’s advance.