Story perspectives

Russia Pursues Full Control of Donbas Amidst Increased Frontline Dangers

3/21/2026

Center

Russia's Donbas Ambition

Russia aims to gain full control of the Donbas region, which hosts coal mines and heavy industry.
Ukraine controls nearly 25% of the Donetsk region and believes its 'fortress belt' of settlements can defend for years.
Frontline danger zones have increased during the war, with the growing use of drones making areas 10 to 20 kilometers from the front more dangerous.

Right

France Intercepts Tanker

France's Navy seized the Deyna, a Mozambique-flagged tanker, in the Western Mediterranean, suspected of belonging to Russia's shadow fleet.
The operation was conducted with British allies to disrupt Moscow's oil exports amid sanctions tied to Russia's 2022 invasion.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the vessel as a "war profiteer" undermining international law.
This is France's second interception of a suspected Russian tanker in recent months after the Grinch in January.

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Russia's Donbas Ambition

Russia aims to gain full control of the Donbas region, which hosts coal mines and heavy industry.
Ukraine controls nearly 25% of the Donetsk region and believes its 'fortress belt' of settlements can defend for years.
Frontline danger zones have increased during the war, with the growing use of drones making areas 10 to 20 kilometers from the front more dangerous.

1 / 2