What is the meaning of Sevastopol?

Sevastopol. / (Russian sɪvasˈtɔpəlj) / noun. a port, resort, and naval base in S Ukraine, in the Crimea, on the Black Sea: captured and destroyed by British, French, and Turkish forces after a siege of 11 months (1854–55) during the Crimean War; taken by the Germans after a siege of 8 months (1942) during World War II.

When did Russia take Sevastopol?

Russia formally incorporated Crimea as two Russian federal subjects—the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol on 18 March 2014. Following the annexation, Russia escalated military presence on the peninsula and leveraged nuclear threats to solidify the new status quo on the ground.

What is behind the conflict in Donbas?

The Russian-backed insurgency against Kyiv spread to Donbas in April 2014. A key sticking point is the issue of Ukraine regaining control of the 400km (249-mile) border between the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk and Russia. Mr Putin insisted that the border question could only be addressed after elections in the separatist-held areas.

Is a de-escalation of the Ukraine-Russia War possible?

Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists have pulled back from three frontline towns. There is now momentum towards a de-escalation, after landmark talks between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

What are the key sticking points in the Ukraine peace process?

A key sticking point is the issue of Ukraine regaining control of the 400km (249-mile) border between the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk and Russia. Mr Putin insisted that the border question could only be addressed after elections in the separatist-held areas. In Paris he said the peace process “is developing in the right direction”.

Will Russia and Ukraine stick to the Minsk Ceasefire deal?

Russia is also keen to secure an amnesty for the rebels. Mr Putin says both sides must stick to the terms of the 2015 Minsk ceasefire deal. However, that framework for peace was soon violated and Ukraine wants to recover full control over its borders before Donbas elections, not after as stated in the Minsk deal.