The traditionally Russian-speaking area is at the heart of what the Russian president calls the “root causes” of the war, and taking it over is near the top of his list of territorial and political demands.

President Donald Trump supports Russian leader Vladimir Putin's proposal for Moscow to take full control of the Donbas and freeze the front lines elsewhere for a deal with Ukraine.

At the Alaska summit, Putin reportedly demanded Ukraine cede Donetsk and Luhansk in return for freezing the frontline, but Kyiv and European allies remain opposed to territorial concessions