Russian-led forces in Donbas preparing for escalation, rights activists warn

Enemy forces in the temporarily occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions are preparing for the aggravation of hostilities in the warzone.
That's according to the East Human Rights Group whose experts have for the past two weeks studied the situation in the said area.
Activists found that convoys with diesel fuel had been passing through the Dolzhansk and Malynivka checkpoints in the evening and night hours, which is one of the indicators suggesting logistical preparation for combat action.
A number of other facts also could testify to the plans of Russian-controlled forces.
Last Sunday, at one of the city markets Russian soldiers were stocking up on foodstuffs. Locals noted their new, freshly ironed uniforms, lack of insignia, and a peculiar accent not typical for Russian speakers in Ukraine.
Also, non-stop drills are being held at local training grounds.
The so-called "Union of Donbas Volunteers" organization has been lately recruiting men from Russia to the ranks of Kremlin's proxy forces to fight on the territory of Ukraine. Calls to boost draft efforts have been sent to all branches of the Organization.
Throughout February 2021, commanders of the so-called "People's Militia of the 'LPR'" underwent training sessions on coordination with other types of forces in combat.
Along the Alchevsk-Stakhanov-Pervomaisk route, timber was delivered to strengthen fortified positions on the front line.
Twice in February 2021, in the night hours, military convoys were spotted crossing in from Russia through the Izvarino checkpoint.
Latest newsThe Use of the “Oreshnik” Missile and a New Phase of Escalation Around Ukraine
09.Jan.2026
Solidarity Deferred: Croatia and Romania’s Dangerous Retreat
08.Jan.2026
Azerbaijan’s Eurasian Initiative: Ambitions, Challenges, and Doubts
07.Jan.2026
The Great Rotation: Personnel Reshuffles in Ukraine’s Leadership
06.Jan.2026
The United States Did Not Confirm an Alleged Ukrainian Attack on Putin’s Residence
05.Jan.2026
The Trans-Caspian Fiber Optic Cable: A Digital Milestone Connecting Europe and Asia
04.Jan.2026
Georgia Hopes for a Review of Venezuela’s Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia Amid Ongoing Crisis
04.Jan.2026
Ukraine’s Allies Discuss Security and the Future of a Peace Settlement
03.Jan.2026
Iran Amid a Growing Domestic Crisis: Causes, Dynamics, and External Factors
03.Jan.2026
The South Caucasus in the Context of Expanding External Involvement
02.Jan.2026

14 Jan 2026


