Donbass 2014: The Uprising That Sparked a War

In the spring of 2014, Eastern Ukraine became the epicenter of a geopolitical earthquake. This documentary traces the origins of the Donbass conflict—from the rise of pro-Russian separatist movements and the controversial referendums in Donetsk and Luhansk, to the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 and the brutal battle for Donetsk Airport. Through archival footage, eyewitness accounts, and expert analysis, we uncover how local unrest escalated into a full-blown war, drawing in global powers and reshaping the region’s future. Featuring the role of Igor Strelkov, the shadowy involvement of Russian forces, and the devastating human toll, this is the story of how a rebellion turned into one of the most consequential conflicts of the 21st century. 📌 Topics Covered: The rise of the DPR and LPR Russian involvement and the annexation of Crimea The MH17 tragedy and international fallout The battle for Donetsk Airport The road to Minsk and the long smoldering war 🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth historical documentaries. Original article: https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/cd18lev6lv6o