There is a new turn in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, while talking to US President Donald Trump on phone recently, said that if Ukraine hands over the Donetsk area to Russia, the war can be ended. According to the report of Washington Post, two senior officials have given information about this conversation. The question arises that why is the city of Donetsk, which has been barren due to landmine attacks during the war, still so important for Russia?
Attempt to capture for 11 years
Putin has been trying to capture Donetsk for the last 11 years, but till now the Ukrainian army has pushed Russia back every time. This area is considered very important for Ukraine, because it acts as a strong defense wall on the way towards the Russian capital. Officials say that Putin is still adamant on his old demands, due to which war Efforts to end it have been stuck. However, Trump is optimistic about resolving this issue through talks. Russia and its backed rebels have controlled parts of Donetsk since 2014, but have never conquered the entire area.
Why is it important economically?
Donetsk area is considered very important for Russia both strategically and economically. Here the natural resources, industrial infrastructure and geographical location make it special. However, due to the ongoing war and destruction, its real economic role has become very limited at present. As of 2014, Donetsk was Ukraine’s largest industrial center and about 20% of the country’s total industrial output came from this region. This area is also known for the fourth largest coal reserves in Europe.
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Trump remained silent on Putin’s demand
Till now President Trump has not commented on Putin’s demand to hand over Donetsk to Russia. Even after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, Trump did not mention it. He said, now is the time to stop the bloodshed and reach a compromise! Both sides claim victory and history decides who is the real winner. During the conversation, Putin said that if Russia gets the whole of Donetsk, he is ready to give up parts of Ukraine’s Zaporizhia and Kherson regions.