Analysis: Ukraine, Russia set the stage for the climax of the Donbass battle.

Analysis: Ukraine, Russia set the stage for the climax of the Donbass battle.

In simple terms of territory taken and lost, 2026 was a year of relative success for Kiev on the front line.

Although other parts of the front line have largely stabilized, Russia's primary objective continues to be the capture of the remainder of Donetsk Oblast.

Slowly but surely, Russian forces closed in on the gates of the last remaining Ukrainian cities in the region, largely driving out what was left of any normal civilian life in the region.

Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images