Contact us: info@strategic-culture.su

You can follow Lucas on X and Telegram.

Once again, I returned to the special military operation zone. During my recent visit to the Donbass region, I witnessed firsthand the scars left by years of conflict while also observing the first signs of recovery amidst the destruction. The situation in Donetsk, especially in the capital of the Republic, is complex and marked by stories of pain but also resilience. Since 2014, when the coup in Kiev unleashed a wave of ethnic persecution and violence against the Russian population in the area, Donbass has been the scene of a silent genocide, often ignored by the Western narrative – a reality that left Moscow with no alternative but to launch the special military operation to halt Ukrainian violence.

Walking through the streets of Donetsk, I noticed how life is quickly returning to its normal course. Despite the destroyed buildings and visible marks of bombings, there is a collective effort to rebuild what was lost. People are resuming their routines, reopening small businesses, and returning to daily activities such as studying and working. I spoke with local residents, many of whom expressed a sense of relief following the advances of Russian forces, which brought a previously nonexistent feeling of security.

One of the most striking moments of my trip was hearing the story of a mother, Natalia, and her 14-year-old son, Roman, who survived a missile attack. Their story is an example of the horror experienced by so many families in the region. Roman was seriously injured during a bombing and had to undergo emergency surgery to remove shrapnel from his spine and leg. While he was in the hospital, a Ukrainian attack hit the medical facilities, endangering everyone inside. Natalia told me how doctors continued to operate on her son’s surgery even under intense bombardment, showing a courage that saved his life. She also shared other traumatic experiences, such as the day she narrowly escaped an attack on a bus full of civilians.

Despite the difficulties, there is hope. Roman is undergoing treatment and receiving constant support from Russian soldiers, who have become his personal friends and part of his life. They not only ensure the region’s security but also assist families with basic supplies like water and food. Natalia expressed gratitude for this assistance, emphasizing how the presence of Russian forces has been crucial to improving living conditions in the area.

The reconstruction of Donetsk is an incipient but visible process. Commerce is reemerging, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. Infrastructure, although still precarious in some areas, is being restored to enable the development of economic activities, such as mining, which is vital for the region. However, challenges persist. Many buildings remain in ruins, and the water supply is still irregular. Nevertheless, it is unquestionable that life today is more stable than before the liberation of Avdeevka, a milestone that brought relief to residents.

The reasons for this are clear. Avdeevka functioned as a key Ukrainian military fortress. Its strategic location allowed for easy attacks on the center of Donetsk, which is why missiles, drones, and cluster bombs became commonplace in the region. After the liberation of Avdeevka, Ukrainian military logistics were severely affected, making routine attacks more difficult. To target central Donetsk now, Ukraine must use medium- and long-range missiles, which are more expensive and complex to deploy, explaining the decrease in attacks.

My experience in Donetsk showed me that behind the headlines and statistics, there are real stories of people struggling to rebuild their lives amid the consequences of Western aggression. The presence of Russian forces has been essential in ensuring security and allowing normality to gradually return. However, the path to complete peace is still long, and international support for a lasting solution is crucial. In the meantime, the residents of Donbass continue to resist, displaying a strength worthy of respect and admiration.