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Luhansk

Luhansk is an industrial city in Ukraine located in the Donbass region, which has been controlled by pro-Russian separatists since 2014.

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All Content on this topic

Columns of smoke rising from a shelled power plant near Luhansk

Columns of smoke rising from a shelled power plant near Luhansk

Donetsk and Luhansk: A tale of creeping occupation

Russian has increasingly extended its control over the two self-proclaimed people's republics since 2014.

President Joe Biden speaks at the White House about sanctioning Russia over its actions in Ukraine

President Joe Biden speaks at the White House about sanctioning Russia over its actions in Ukraine

Ukraine crisis: Biden announces sanctions on Russia

The US president said "this is the beginning of a Russian invasion" as he announced sanctions.

woman watches Putin on TV

woman watches Putin on TV

Putin's ploy: Act of war or peacekeeping deployment?

Is Putin's decision to send "peacekeeping" troops into separatist-held areas in Ukraine an act of war? Experts explain.

The Russian Central Bank building

The Russian Central Bank building

EU agrees to Russia sanctions package

EU leaders have "unanimously agreed" on measures against Russia over its recognition of Ukrainian separatist regions.

Security Council members

Security Council members

World leaders condemn Putin for Ukraine decision

Germany's UN ambassador said Russia had "unmasked itself" by recognizing separatist territories in eastern Ukraine.

Soldiers on patrol

Soldiers on patrol

What you need to know about the Ukraine-Russia crisis

The crisis has escalated as Russia orders its troops into Ukraine's breakaway regions. How did it reach this point?

A file photo of pro-Russian militiamen in Donetsk

A file photo of pro-Russian militiamen in Donetsk

Russia recognizes independence of Ukraine separatist regions

The recognition has been met with widespread condemnation from the West.

Gilded onion-domed towers with Kyiv cityscape in background

Gilded onion-domed towers with Kyiv cityscape in background

German Foreign Ministry urges all citizens to leave Ukraine

Berlin ups its warning for citizens to leave, citing increasing tensions and Russia's troop buildup on the border.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a meeting with the US Vice President during the Munich Security Conference in Munich on February 18

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a meeting with the US Vice President during the Munich Security Conference in Munich on February 18

NATO says Russia planning 'full-scale attack' on Ukraine

NATO chief said, "all signs indicate that Russia is planning a full-scale attack on Ukraine." Follow DW for the latest.

Deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Moscow Bart Gorman

Deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Moscow Bart Gorman

Ukraine latest: Russia expels deputy chief of US mission

Russia has asked second-most senior US diplomat in Moscow, Bart Gorman, to leave the country. Follow DW for the latest.

Service members of the Ukrainian armed forces drive armoured vehicles at fighting positions on the line of separation

Service members of the Ukrainian armed forces drive armoured vehicles at fighting positions on the line of separation

Russian Duma asks Putin to recognize Donetsk, Luhansk

Donetsk and Luhansk are two Ukrainian regions under de-facto control of pro-Russian rebels.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visits the frontline of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visits the frontline of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine

Germany's foreign minister visits front line in Ukraine

Annalena Baerbock is getting a firsthand account of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

Russian military exercises close to the Ukrainian border

Russian military exercises close to the Ukrainian border

Ukraine: Civilians taking up arms amid Russia crisis

As tensions rise with Russia, many Ukrainian civilians are training to become voluntary reservists.

Members of Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces, volunteer military units of the Armed Forces, train in a city park in Kyiv

Members of Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces, volunteer military units of the Armed Forces, train in a city park in Kyiv

Ukraine attack will have 'consequences,' EU, US warn Russia

Russian aggression will have "severe costs," NATO's chief said after a meeting with EU leaders and US President Biden.

A Ukrainian serviceman patrols the checkpoint in the village of Shyrokyne near Mariupol, the last large city in eastern Ukraine controlled by Kyiv on April 26, 2021

A Ukrainian serviceman patrols the checkpoint in the village of Shyrokyne near Mariupol, the last large city in eastern Ukraine controlled by Kyiv on April 26, 2021

EU lacks unified response to Russia

As the EU seeks a common response to a possible Russian invasion in Ukraine, a longer-term plan remains murky.

Servicemen take part in the military drills held by motorized infantry units of Russia's Southern Military District

Servicemen take part in the military drills held by motorized infantry units of Russia's Southern Military District

Germany and NATO see 'real' risk of Ukraine-Russia conflict

Chancellor Olaf Scholz and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warn Russia faces severe consequences if it invades Ukraine.

Annalena Baerbock and Dmytro Kuleba

Annalena Baerbock and Dmytro Kuleba

Germany's top diplomat visits Ukraine amid Russia tensions

Germany's foreign minister says she wants a "serious dialogue" on security in Europe as she visits Ukraine and Russia.

Ukraine's former president, Petro Poroschenko

Ukraine's former president, Petro Poroschenko

Ukrainian court freezes ex-president's assets

The Prosecutor General's Office is investigating Ukrainian former President Petro Poroshenko on charges of high treason.

Ukrainian servicemen hold a position on the frontline with Russia backed separatists near small city of Marinka, Donetsk region on April 12, 2021.

Ukrainian servicemen hold a position on the frontline with Russia backed separatists near small city of Marinka, Donetsk region on April 12, 2021.

Cease-fire restored in eastern Ukraine talks, says OSCE

The OSCE has registered numerous violations of the July 2020 cease-fire this month, however.

Russian soldiers take part in the military drills held by motorized infantry units in the Rostov region of Russia

Russian soldiers take part in the military drills held by motorized infantry units in the Rostov region of Russia

EU keeps up sanctions on Russia over Ukraine

Brussels urged Moscow to return to talks but warned of tough punitive measures should Russia invade Ukraine.

A service member of the Ukrainian armed forces walks in a trench with a rifle

A service member of the Ukrainian armed forces walks in a trench with a rifle

Russian court says country's soldiers in Ukraine

A Russian court has said the country's armed forces are present in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin has denied the claim.

Ukrainian servicemen walk in eastern Ukraine amid fighting with Russia-backed separatists

Ukrainian servicemen walk in eastern Ukraine amid fighting with Russia-backed separatists

Germany, France and Russia may hold summit on Ukraine

The German and French governments are hoping to meet with Russian and Ukrainian leaders to discuss the Donbass conflict.

Spectators and players during Sweden's clash with Ukraine during Euro 2020

Spectators and players during Sweden's clash with Ukraine during Euro 2020

Ukraine united behind Shevchenko despite ongoing conflict

Even at Euro 2020, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia is ever-present. But Shevchenko's team is uniting fans.

The shoulder patches of a Ukrainian soldier

The shoulder patches of a Ukrainian soldier

LGBTQ troops at war with homophobia in Ukraine

In addition to their front-line combat, LGBTQ soldiers have rights to fight for, too.

Anthony Blinken (r.) and Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Anthony Blinken (r.) and Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Kyiv's anti-corruption fight 'moving in the right direction'

Ukraine's FM tells DW that the country's battle against corruption is a marathon, not a sprint — but the US is worried.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visiting soldiers near the separatist-controlled territory in April 2021

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visiting soldiers near the separatist-controlled territory in April 2021

Ukraine's Zelenskyy hopeful about meeting Putin

The talks about a new ceasefire in Ukraine are already "at the finish line," said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Tanks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are seen during drills at an unknown location near the border of Russian-annexed Crimea

Tanks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are seen during drills at an unknown location near the border of Russian-annexed Crimea

Ukraine's Zelenskyy invites Putin to meet in conflict zone

Kyiv has accused Russia of a massive troop buildup near the border, which Russia claims is a training exercise.

Russian tanks next to the Ukrainian border

Russian tanks next to the Ukrainian border

EU talks Russia strategy amid Ukraine crisis

EU ties with Moscow are fraught with tensions — and not just because of the military buildup near Ukraine.

DW To The Point (E) | Totale

DW To The Point (E) | Totale

Russia-Ukraine crisis: What does Putin want?

As Russia-Ukraine tensions rise: What does Vladimir Putin want?

A Ukrainian army solider in the Donbass region.

A Ukrainian army solider in the Donbass region.

Russia denies moving towards war with Ukraine

Moscow said it was not involved in the ongoing clashes in Ukraine and that it was trying to resolve the conflict.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Recep Tayyip Erdogan standing for an official photo in Istanbul

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Recep Tayyip Erdogan standing for an official photo in Istanbul

Turkey's Erdogan voices support for Ukraine

As Russia deploys troops near Ukraine, Turkish President Erdogan said he supported Ukraine's territorial integrity.

A soldier of the Ukrainian armed forces in a trench on the line of separation near Donetsk

A soldier of the Ukrainian armed forces in a trench on the line of separation near Donetsk

Eastern Ukraine: Saber-rattling between Moscow and Kyiv

Tanks rumble past, cannons thunder: Russia and Ukraine have reinforced their military presence in the Donbass region.

File photo taken in 2019 of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

File photo taken in 2019 of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

Germany urges Russia to reduce troops near Ukraine

Germany and Russia discussed concerns about tensions between pro-Russia separatists and Ukrainian forces.

A Ukrainian tank in the mud in the Luhansk region

A Ukrainian tank in the mud in the Luhansk region

Is Russia about to launch an attack in eastern Ukraine?

Russia has reportedly sent thousands of troops to the Ukraine border. Is an invasion imminent?

Ukraine Konflikt in der Ostukraine | Petrovskoye, Petrivske

Ukraine Konflikt in der Ostukraine | Petrovskoye, Petrivske

Germany, France call for restraint amid Ukraine escalation

Germany and France have called for restraint amid repeated ceasefire violations along the Russia-Ukraine border.

A serviceman of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic stands guard at a checkpoint near the settlement of Petrovskoye (Petrivske), which is located in a disengagement area near the contact line with the Ukrainian armed forces in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 9, 2019.

A serviceman of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic stands guard at a checkpoint near the settlement of Petrovskoye (Petrivske), which is located in a disengagement area near the contact line with the Ukrainian armed forces in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 9, 2019.

Donbass: Ukraine accuses Russia of 'aggravating' situation

Kyiv said the Kremlin built up military forces near their shared border and violated a ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

US pledges support for Ukraine amid tensions with Russia

Washington has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine in light of Russia's "destabilizing actions" in the region.

The logos for TV channels 112 Ukraine, NewsOne und ZIK

The logos for TV channels 112 Ukraine, NewsOne und ZIK

Ukraine bans pro-Russian TV stations

Ukraine's pro-Western president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has signed decrees banning pro-Russian media outlets.

Cease-fire in Ukraine just a political ploy

Nick Connolly

Looming elections, rather than progress on the ground, are behind promises of a "comprehensive" cease-fire in Donbass.

A Ukrainian air force officer closes the gate at the Belbek airbase, outside Sevastopol,

A Ukrainian air force officer closes the gate at the Belbek airbase, outside Sevastopol,

Ukraine will 'never surrender control over Donbass'

The Ukranian foreign minister has told DW his country will "deoccupy" Crimea and Donbass, no matter how long it takes.

Ukraine Ukrainische Soldaten bei Luhansk

Ukraine Ukrainische Soldaten bei Luhansk

Ukraine conflict: Can the Minsk-2 peace deal be saved?

Five years after the Minsk-2 peace protocol was signed, trench warfare still rages in Ukraine.

A prisoner guarded by pro-Russian separatists before a prisoner exchange in eastern Ukraine

A prisoner guarded by pro-Russian separatists before a prisoner exchange in eastern Ukraine

Imprisoned in eastern Ukraine: 'Inhumane conditions'

Two women imprisoned in eastern Ukraine who were part of a major prisoner swap spoke to DW about their time in custody.

Zelenskiy and Putin

Zelenskiy and Putin

Cautious optimism for Russia-Ukraine ceasefire

Rebels said they agree to a prisoner swap as part of the deal, but offered fewer Ukrainians than Kyiv asked for.

Bernd Riegert

Bernd Riegert

A Ukraine summit to Putin's taste

Dialogue is always valuable, but the Ukraine summit has provided nothing but a short respite to the region's problems.

Zelenskiy, Macron, Putin and Merkel sitting around a table

Zelenskiy, Macron, Putin and Merkel sitting around a table

Putin, Zelenskiy meet for summit on Ukraine conflict

The long-awaited talks between Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany aim to revive the stalled 2015 Minsk Agreement.

Ukraine protests in Kyiv

Ukraine protests in Kyiv

Ukraine: Rally over Russia capitulation fears

Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Vladimir Putin are set to attend a Paris summit on the Donbass conflict.

Servicemen of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic get ready to board a truck near Petrovskoye (Petrivske) in Donetsk region

Servicemen of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic get ready to board a truck near Petrovskoye (Petrivske) in Donetsk region

'No free elections in eastern Ukraine if Russians stay'

The peace process has a chance if Russia pulls out of eastern Ukraine, says the US ambassador to the OSCE.

Ukraine | Präsident Volodymyr Zelenskyy besuchte Streitkräfte im Gebiet Luhansk

Ukraine | Präsident Volodymyr Zelenskyy besuchte Streitkräfte im Gebiet Luhansk

Putin and Zelenskiy agree to Paris talks on Ukraine

The renewed effort to revive their "Normandy format" follows several breakthroughs over the summer.

Ukraine troops prepare to board armored cars

Ukraine troops prepare to board armored cars

Ukraine troops, rebels pull out of Donbass site

Russia's Vladimir Putin and Germany's Angela Merkel spoke about granting Donbass a special status.

OSCE flag near the town of Zolote

OSCE flag near the town of Zolote

Ukraine and separatist troops withdraw from Luhansk town

The move is a key precondition for German- and French-mediated talks between Ukraine and Russia.