When Russia launched its invasion into Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in 2014, the battle was not only over territory but also historical memory. The conflict has transformed into a complex struggle that transcends military operations, delving into the realm of cultural identity and historical interpretation.
In the city of Kostiantynivka, the struggle played out not just with weapons, but with spray paint — where a single letter in the local language marks the divide between territories controlled by Ukrainian forces and those under Russian occupation. These subtle but powerful symbols have become a form of resistance, reflecting the deep-seated emotional and cultural stakes involved in the conflict.
As President Trump and Russian President Putin engage in discussions about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine’s east, a new book is shedding light on the human toll and historical significance of the war in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The invasion, which began in 2014, was not merely a military confrontation but also a battle over historical narratives and territorial claims. In towns like Kostiant, the resistance has taken on symbolic forms, such as the use of spray paint to mark contested areas. Ukrainian forces are now preparing for a potential multi-front assault by Russian troops, underscoring the complexity and severity of the situation.