Ukraine has pushed Russian forces back in parts of Donetsk, forcing Russia to fight for settlements it once firmly controlled, as both military and civilian casualties rise.
Key facts
- Ukraine has pushed Russian forces back in the Donetsk region.
- Russia is now fighting for settlements it once firmly held.
- Russia has retreated from many of those settlements.
- Military and civilian casualties are reported to be rising.
Ukrainian forces have pushed Russia back in the Donetsk region, with Russia now fighting for settlements it once firmly held, according to Al Jazeera. The report describes a shift in the dynamics on the ground in one of the most heavily contested areas of the war.
According to the outlet, Russia has retreated from many of the settlements it previously controlled in Donetsk. The development points to Ukrainian pressure in an area that has seen some of the most intense fighting of the conflict.
The reported gains come as casualties climb. Al Jazeera notes that both military and civilian casualties are soaring, underscoring the human cost of the continued fighting across the region.
Donetsk has long been a focal point of the war, and control of its settlements has been fiercely contested. The latest reporting indicates that territory once held firmly by Russian forces is now the subject of renewed battles.
The situation remains fluid, and the balance of control over individual settlements in Donetsk continues to shift as the two sides fight over contested ground.
Why it matters
Donetsk is one of the most contested regions of the war, and shifts in control there can signal broader changes in the conflict's trajectory. Rising military and civilian casualties highlight the mounting human toll of the continued fighting.
Frequently asked questions
What is happening in Donetsk?
According to Al Jazeera, Ukraine has pushed Russia back in Donetsk, forcing Russia to fight for settlements it once firmly held, and Russia has retreated from many of them.
Are casualties rising?
Yes. Al Jazeera reports that both military and civilian casualties are soaring amid the fighting.
Who previously controlled the settlements?
Al Jazeera reports that Russia once firmly held the settlements it is now fighting for and has retreated from many of them.

