The regions known as Donetsk and Luhansk are sometimes mentioned in the news. They are the separatist regions of

Donetsk and Luhansk are two regions located in eastern Ukraine, collectively known as the Donbas [1]. These regions became prominent in international news following the 2014 political upheaval in Ukraine, which led to the emergence of pro-Russian separatist entities known as the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR). These separatist movements were supported by Russia, leading to a protracted conflict with the Ukrainian central government. In February 2022, Russia officially recognized the independence of these breakaway regions shortly before launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. By September 2022, Russia unilaterally declared the annexation of these oblasts, although they remain internationally recognized as part of Ukraine's sovereign territory [1]. The region is historically significant for its heavy industry and coal mining [1].

Sources

1. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donbas