Russia’s installed authorities in Donetsk reported that Ukraine currently controls around 15–17% of the region, according to statements from Denis Pushilin, the Russian-backed head of Donetsk, during a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.
Moscow claims the entirety of Donetsk as part of Russia and says the region is under its nuclear protection. Despite this, Ukraine maintains it will never recognize Russian control over any part of Donetsk or other territories partially or fully held by Russian forces.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine continues to affect civilians and infrastructure. Recent shelling damaged buildings, including a children’s hospital that was under maintenance at the time, according to local authorities, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian risks in the region.
