Analysis: Ukraine, Russia set stage for climax of Battle of Donbas

In simple terms of territory taken and lost, 2026 has been a year of relative success for Kyiv on the front line.

Though other parts of the front line have largely stabilized, Russia’s main goal continues to be the capture of the remainder of Donetsk Oblast.

Slowly but surely, Russian forces inched closer to the gates of the last remaining Ukrainian cities in the region, largely driving out what was left of any normal civilian life in the area.

Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images