What are the Russian separatists?
The separatist forces of the war in Donbas is the umbrella term for the military formations affiliated with the unrecognized pro-Russian breakaway regions in Ukraine called the Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic. It is widely believed that the separatists are supported by the Russian Armed Forces.
Why is there a conflict between Russia and Ukraine?
Currently, the two countries are engaged in the Russo-Ukrainian War which started in 2014 following the Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The Russian government feared that Ukraine’s membership of the EU and NATO would complete a western wall of allied countries by restricting Russia’s access to the Black Sea.
What percent of Ukraine is Russian?
The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, an East Slavic language, which is the native language of 67.5% of Ukraine’s population. Russian is the native language of 29.6% of Ukraine’s population and the rest (2.9%) are native speakers of other languages.
Who are the pro-Russian separatists fighting in Ukraine?
Pro-Russian separatist leaders Denis Pushilin (left) and Aleksandr Borodai attend a press conference at the regional administration building in Donetsk on May 29. KYIV — Keeping a handle on who’s who in the chaotic separatist insurgency gripping Ukraine’s frontier with Russia can get a little confusing.
What is behind the conflict in eastern Ukraine?
The conflict in eastern Ukraine started as a grassroots movement, albeit one that Moscow inspired and then aggressively exploited. In November 2013, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, under pressure from Russia, abandoned plans to sign an Association Agreement with the EU.
Is Minsk the key to resolving the eastern Ukraine conflict?
A 2015 ceasefire signed in Minsk is largely holding in eastern Ukraine, while the most likely outcome is a brittle, long-term frozen conflict. Nevertheless, Russia is juggling many options, and Minsk remains a vital possible path to resolution. The deal deserves steadfast, sanctions-backed support from the U.S. and European Union.
What caused the 2014 Ukraine crisis?
In July 2014, the situation in Ukraine escalated into an international crisis and put the United States and the European Union (EU) at odds with Russia when a Malaysian Airlines flight was shot down over Ukrainian airspace, killing all 298 onboard.
