How Ukraine lost Donbas

"How Ukraine Lost Donbas" chronicles the onset of Russia's military intervention into Ukrainian territory in 2014. Following the seizure and annexation of Crimea, Russia expanded its control to include portions of eastern Ukraine, notably Luhansk and Donetsk, collectively referred to as Donbas.

The military escalation in 2014 unfolded within a specific context and set of conditions. Russia had long been engaged in informational warfare, economic infiltration, and the establishment of illicit paramilitary groups within Ukraine. Propaganda and corruption emerged as pivotal tools, employed to stoke separatist sentiments and fabricate unrest, painting a picture of "civil protests" and a "civil war" within Ukraine.

The groundwork for these operations was laid as early as 2003. Despite a decade of effort, Russia struggled to establish robust military-political structures under the guise of "separatists." Recognizing the limitations of this approach, Russia escalated its aggression, deploying regular army units and covert operatives to Ukraine. They seized control of administrative buildings, perpetrated violence against civilians, and orchestrated the occupation while maintaining the facade of "separatist" movements. Ultimately, Russia's tactics resulted in the annexation of Crimea and the occupation of southern Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts from 2014 to 2022, achieved through coercion, political manipulation, and conflicts both within Ukraine and across Europe. Only in 2022 did Russia formally declare the "integration" of Donbas into its territory, acknowledging Ukraine's refusal to tolerate proxy entities within its borders.

The events of 2014 transformed Donbas into a theater of conflict and suffering for millions. While Russia initially isolated Donbas politically and economically, by 2024, it had inflicted physical devastation upon the region. Many of the cities ravaged by war are industrial centers within Donbas.

This book contains vital details, names, and dates and serves as a comprehensive documentation of Russia's military aggression and information warfare against Ukraine. It offers valuable insights for experts in information security, disinformation countermeasures, and information-psychological operations, as well as policymakers and English-speaking historians specializing in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Russia.

The book does not endorse or justify the Ukrainian government. It critically examines the role of Ukrainian politicians, acknowledging instances of professional incompetence and corruption that facilitated Russia's aggressive actions. The mistakes made by Ukrainian politicians, including their interference in the judiciary, which contributed to the tragedy of Donbas in 2014, are thoroughly explored.

Initially published in Ukraine in 2020, "How Ukraine Lost Donbas" remains highly relevant. Its analysis of Russia's propagandist tactics continues to shed light on the ongoing conflict, offering invaluable insights into the dynamics of the region's geopolitical landscape. This book was translated into English in 2024.

"How Ukraine Lost Donbas" was awarded by Lviv BookForum as best book in nomination "War in Donbas, Crimea annexation, IDPs" in 2021 in Ukraine.