Donbas
Ukraine · Europe
About Donbas
The Donbas or Donbass (Ukrainian: Донба́с, Russian: Донба́сс) is a disputed region in Eastern Europe. The whole region is a war zone claimed by both Ukraine and Russia.
Donbas travel guide
Understand
Donbas is short for Donets Basin. It has no universal geographic definition, but has usually been seen to include Donetsk Oblast and Luhansk Oblast. The Donbas was part of the Ukrainian Soviet Republic (see Soviet Union), and of Ukraine since its independence in 1991. The eastern parts of the region, including the capitals Donetsk and Luhansk, have been controlled by separatists supported by Russia since 2014. In February 2022, the government of Russia recognized the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic days before the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Both the foundation of these republics and the invasion itself were condemned by most of the international community, except a few of Russia's allies. In September 2022, the Russian government held local "referenda" condemned as illegitimate by the international community, leading up to Russia nominally annexing the region on 1 October, together with parts of southern Ukraine. While both Ukraine and Russia claim the Donbas as part of their country, de facto control is subject to change.
Getting there
As the battlefront crosses the region, you need to visit either the Ukrainian-controlled part from Ukraine or the Russian-controlled part from Russia. Check whether this will make visits to the other country difficult in the future (see Visa trouble). As the battlefront may move fast, varying parts of the region are off limits.
Getting around
Air travel in the region remains virtually impossible, and roads are dangerous. Even civilian vehicles may be mistaken for troop transports.
See
The mining and heaps throughout the region create a distinctive industrial landscape.
Do
Help in the reconstruction work. You will want to have made arrangements beforehand.
Eat
The region is experiencing a food shortage as a result of the war. If you are to travel to Donbas, bring adequate supplies to sustain yourself.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.