Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again made clear that Russia intends to take full control of Ukraine’s Donbas region. Speaking to India Today during his visit to India on Thursday, Putin said the region would be brought under Russian control “in any circumstance.”
“It may happen through military action or through some other means. But one way or another, we will establish control over it,” he said. Putin added that the war would end only after Russia achieves the objectives it announced at the start of its full-scale invasion. “We will end the war only after the goals we set at the start of the military operation are fully achieved,” he stated.
His remarks have cast doubt on the United States’ ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump’s initial peace proposal had suggested allowing Russia to retain the territories it currently claims.
After strong criticism from European leaders, Washington suggested an alternative approach based on the existing line of control. Trump later sent special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner to Moscow for discussions, but the talks ended without agreement after Russia refused to shift its position.
Why Russia Is Seeking Complete Control of Donetsk
After annexing Crimea in 2014, Putin focused on eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, where many Russian speakers live. Moscow accused Ukraine of mistreating Russian-speaking residents—claims that were widely disputed—and helped fuel separatist uprisings. Russia provided weapons to the militants and deployed unmarked troops to back them.
Despite launching a full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has not captured the entire region. Donbas consists of Luhansk and Donetsk. While Russia controls nearly all of Luhansk, around 20 percent of Donetsk remains under Ukrainian control.
Ukraine spent years building strong defensive lines in Donetsk, making it extremely difficult for Russia to seize the remaining territory. Analysts say Moscow still faces significant challenges. President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently rejected proposals requiring Ukraine to hand over Donetsk, warning it would open the door to further Russian attacks.
Strategic and Symbolic Stakes for Putin
Donetsk is one of Ukraine’s key industrial regions, historically home to major ports, railway routes, and coal and iron ore mines. Much of this infrastructure has already been destroyed by Russian attacks. Even after the war, Ukraine may hesitate to rebuild immediately, fearing renewed Russian strikes.
For Putin, the region has become a symbol of political and personal commitment. He first justified separatist movements by alleging abuses against Russian speakers and repeated that claim in 2022, saying Russia was acting to “rescue” them. Failing to bring the whole region under Russian control after more than a decade of conflict would be seen as a setback for the Kremlin.
A Conflict Deeply Tied to National Identity
The battle for Donbas now carries deep emotional weight on both sides. Russia has lost tens of thousands of soldiers without achieving its goal. Ukraine has also suffered heavy casualties defending the region. Even if Zelensky considered concessions, the Ukrainian public would strongly oppose giving up territory defended at such great cost.
For both Russia and Ukraine, the fate of Donbas has become a defining issue of sovereignty, sacrifice, and national pride.
