[dragonwriter]

> The Donbass milita? They have been engaging in various forms of combat with the Ukrainian forces multiple times since the ceasefire in 2015

Both sides are indicating an escalation, though who escalated is in dispute. (Though the motive for Ukraine to escalate when Russia has massed troops on their border and on the same day that Russia recognizes the breakaway republics is somewhat obscure, while the motive for Russia-backed separatists to do so is blindingly obvious.)

[sudosysgen]

It's important to know that Ukraine's military has degraded to such a level that paramilitaires and militiais on the Ukraine side frequently run afoul of the government's will. Many of them have a large incentive for more war to happen, or are just batshit insane.

So there's a situation where Ukraine isn't a well defined entity anymore. This is, of course, absolutely great for Russia, but it's very concerning.

[artem247]

You are confusing 2014 Ukraine with 2022 Ukraine. Paramilitaries and militias aren’t really a thing in Ukraine anymore.