Russia to keep forces in Donbas
Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Dec 12, 2025 · Last updated Dec 12, 2025
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia's firm stance on retaining occupied territories and Ukraine's refusal to surrender land, creates significant geopolitical instability. This uncertainty negatively impacts global markets, particularly in energy and defense sectors, and could lead to further sanctions and disruptions in international trade. The direct military actions, such as drone strikes and counterattacks, highlight the continued human and economic cost of the war.
A senior Russia — Kremlin official stated that Russian police and National Guard will remain in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, even if a peace settlement ends the nearly four-year war. This position is likely to be rejected by Ukrainian officials, as U.S.-led negotiations continue. Russia demands Ukraine's forces withdraw from the front line before a ceasefire. The conflict has seen Russia illegally annex Russia — Crimea in 2014 and Ukraine — Donetsk, Ukraine — Luhansk, and two other regions in 2022, claiming them as Russian Federation territory. Ukraine maintains its constitution does not allow it to surrender land. U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for a swift end to the war. On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces have recaptured several settlements near Ukraine — Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. Ukraine's Special Operations Forces also struck two Russian vessels, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Askar-Saridzha, in the Caspian Sea, which are under U.S. sanctions for transporting arms to Iran. Cross-border drone attacks have also occurred, with Ukraine striking Russia — Tver in Russia, and Russia striking Ukraine — Pavlohrad and Odesa in Ukraine, causing casualties and damaging energy infrastructure.
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