The Donbas, Crimea and Article 5: A quick refresher on some key termspublished at 12:15.
Over three years of war in Ukraine, some key terms have come up again and again. Here’s a brief refresher of some key ones likely to come up today as part of Zelensky’s meeting with Trump:
What is Nato and Article 5?
Nato is a military alliance of 32 countries in Europe, North America and western Asia. Created as a bulwark and deterrent against the Soviet Union, it has expanded in the decades since its founding in 1949. At its heart is Article 5, part of the Nato treaty that says an attack on one of its members is an attack on all.
For example, if someone attacks one Nato member country, all its members must come to its defence. Ukraine is not currently a member, but has expressed a desire to join – which Russia strongly objects to.
What is Crimea?
Crimea is a Ukrainian peninsula on the Black Sea in the very south of the country. For more than a decade, it’s been under Russian occupation after Moscow’s forces illegally annexed it in 2014. It’s position on Ukraine’s coastline gives it strategic importance for Russia.
What is the Donbas?
The Donbas is a strategically important area rich in minerals and industry in the far east of Ukraine, comprising two provinces, Luhansk and Donetsk. For much of the war, Russian and Ukrainian forces have been locked in a grinding battle for control of the region. Russian forces control all of Luhansk and approximately 70% of Donetsk. Between them, more than three million Ukrainians are estimated to be living under Russian occupation.
