Kyiv: International efforts to bring an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia continue to face serious difficulties, with the future of the Donetsk region emerging as the most sensitive and unresolved issue in negotiations.
Diplomats and analysts say that while recent talks have reopened channels for dialogue, there is still no agreement on the fate of Donetsk, a region that has been at the heart of the conflict for more than a decade and one of the most heavily damaged areas of Ukraine.
Russia has repeatedly stated that a peace deal is not possible unless Ukraine withdraws from the parts of Donetsk it still controls. Moscow argues that the region is essential to its security interests and claims historical and cultural ties to the area. Russian officials also say control over Donetsk is necessary to protect Russian speaking communities, a claim that Ukraine and Western countries strongly reject.
President Vladimir Putin has reinforced this position in recent contacts with foreign envoys, stressing that territorial issues must be settled before broader political or security arrangements can move forward. The Kremlin has made it clear that it considers Donetsk non negotiable, placing it at the centre of any proposed settlement.
Ukraine remains firm in its refusal to give up territory. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that surrendering Donetsk would violate Ukraine’s constitution and undermine the country’s sovereignty. Ukrainian leaders argue that conceding land under pressure would only encourage future aggression and make long term peace less secure.
Kyiv also highlights the strategic importance of the areas it still controls in Donetsk, including key transport routes and defensive positions that help protect central parts of the country. Ukrainian officials warn that losing these areas would weaken national defence and expose more cities to potential attacks.
Donetsk is not only militarily important but also economically significant. Before the war, the region was a major industrial centre with coal mines, factories and energy infrastructure. Much of this has been damaged or destroyed, but Ukraine says retaining control over parts of Donetsk is vital for future recovery and reconstruction.
Recent negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States have shown limited progress on issues such as humanitarian access, prisoner exchanges and possible security guarantees. There has also been discussion about international support for rebuilding Ukraine once the fighting ends. However, diplomats say territorial questions, especially Donetsk, continue to block any comprehensive agreement.
Meanwhile, the war continues on the ground. Fighting and air strikes persist along the eastern front, causing further destruction and civilian suffering. These ongoing hostilities deepen mistrust between the two sides and make compromises at the negotiating table more difficult.
Public opinion adds another layer of pressure. In Ukraine, there is strong opposition to any territorial concessions, while in Russia, state media presents control of Donetsk as a symbol of national strength and strategic success. These domestic realities limit how much flexibility leaders on both sides can show.
Analysts say the dispute over Donetsk reflects deeper disagreements about sovereignty, security and the future order in Europe. Until there is a breakthrough on this issue, peace talks are expected to remain fragile, with the fate of Donetsk continuing to stand as the main obstacle to ending the war.