Focus Active theater
Ukraine
Russo-Ukrainian War over Donetsk & Lugansk
Two official names, two sets of demands, two compromises. Read both sides first.
- Russia vs Ukraine ongoing
- NATO / US vs Russia sanctions + aid
- The rest split
Snapshot Negotiation snapshot frozen 29 March 2022. Rolling war lives in SITREPs below.
Map
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The sides
Each side in its own words, next to each other. Nothing merged.
Russia
Position as of 29 March 2022Demands
- Recognise the independence of Luhansk People's Republic and Donetsk People's Republics
- Recognise Crimea as Russian territory
- Demilitarize down to defensive weapons only
- Declare neutral status and not join any military alliances or blocs like NATO (constitutional change)
Compromise
- Allow Ukraine to join the European Union
- De-escalation of military activities in some parts of Ukraine, particularly near Chernihiv and Kyiv
In their words
"If they continue to do what they are doing, they are calling into question the future of Ukrainian statehood. And if this happens, it will be entirely on their conscience."
... in a veiled threat to annex or dissolve the state of Ukraine, as he pinned the blame for the war squarely on the Ukrainian leadership and slammed their resistance to the invasion.
"The operation's ultimate goal is to protect the people who have been subjected for eight years to genocide by the Kiev regime. Moscow would embark on a demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine. We do not have plans to occupy Ukrainian territories. We are not going to impose anything on anyone by force."
... Address launching the "special operation" to defend the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. Accused the US and allies of ignoring Russia's demand to keep Ukraine out of NATO.
Ukraine
Position as of 29 March 2022Demands
- "NATO Article 5"-type security guarantee. Guarantors to include: Russia, United Kingdom, China, United States, Turkey, France, Canada, Italy, Poland and Israel
- Guarantors will go to war to protect Ukraine if it is invaded
- Territory guaranteed does not apply to Crimea and Donbass, however it does include parts of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts
- No objection against joining the European Union
- 15-year moratorium on the status of Crimea to negotiate Crimea's future
- Both sides to not use military force to resolve the Crimea issue
Compromise
- Pledge not to join any military alliances
- Pledge not to host foreign military bases or foreign troops
- Military exercises will require approval from guarantors
- Pledge not to seek/obtain weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons
Moves
- Ukraine cut diplomatic relations with Russia.
In their words
"No one rejects the option of negotiations, every war ends with negotiations, but it is your position at the negotiating table that matters. We are ready to sit down at the table when it comes to the complete restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine."
... Interview with RBC-Ukraine. Ukraine is open to talks, but only on full restoration of territorial integrity.
"Regarding NATO, I have cooled down regarding that question a long time ago, after we understood that Russia is not good with it, NATO is not ready to accept Ukraine. The alliance is afraid of controversial things and confrontation with Russia."
... ABC News / David Muir, asked about Russia's three conditions: drop NATO, recognise Crimea, demilitarise.
The rest
Third parties, blocs, and developments that move the board.
Diplomacy
NATO
NATO countries refused to police a no-fly zone over Ukraine, warning that such a move could provoke widespread war in Europe with nuclear-power Russia.
"We are not part of this conflict, and we have a responsibility to ensure that it does not escalate and spread beyond Ukraine, because that would be even more devastating and more dangerous."
... After meeting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and counterparts.
Position
United States
"You have two options. Start a Third World War, go to war with Russia physically. Or two, make sure that a country that acts so contrary to international law ends up paying a price for having done it. These sanctions are the broadest sanctions in history."
... Interview with Brian Tyler Cohen on the sanctions track vs direct war.
"President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring."
... Written statement condemning an "unprovoked and unjustified attack." More G7 sanctions followed.
Position
Georgia
"I would like to state clearly and unequivocally that Georgia is not going to join the financial and economic sanctions, taking into account our national interests and the interests of the population. This will only harm our country and our population."
... Refusing to join Western sanctions on Russia.
Position
European Union
"We will present a package of massive, targeted sanctions... freeze Russian assets in the EU and stop access of Russian banks to our financial market. This is designed to take a heavy toll on the Kremlin's ability to finance war. We will not let President Putin tear down Europe's security architecture."
... Press conference on EU sanctions.
Position
Belarus
Belarus approved a new constitution via referendum that ditches the country's non-nuclear status. 65.2% of those who took part voted in favor. This opens the door for Russia to deploy nuclear weaponry in Belarus.
Reports & video
SITREPs and analysis on this theater. The rolling war lives here.
May 7, 2026Ukraine War Situation Report: Victory Day Ceasefire Games, Drone War Stalemate, and Frontline Updates (April 27 – May 5)
January 5, 2026Ukraine 2000–2022 | How to Destroy a Nation: Part 3 (END)
By Carlo Peroni
June 25, 2025Ukraine 2000–2022 | How to Destroy a Nation: Part 2
By Carlo Peroni
DPA War
[ Ukraine Frontline Changes ] MASSIVE vs MASSIVE ADVANCE!!! Russia and UA blowing each other!
DPA Main
[ Ukraine SITREP ] ENCIRCLEMENTS DEEPENS!!! Russia's Battle of Drobropillya! UA claim huge advance!
DPA Main