Debaltsevo was a critical strategic point in the Donbass War of 2014. Debaltsevo, a vital railway junction, together with Uglegorsk — a town a few kilometres away — were a wedge in the Donetsk People’s Republic, cutting Donetsk off from the main road to another major city in the region — Lugansk. Taking over Debaltsevo could create a gap, allowing for a potential attack from Ukrainian forces. So gaining control of the town was strategically important to both sides. Moreover, the Donbass militia was defending the territory, desperately trying to maintain a link between the two rebel capitals. Watch the full documentary about one of the crucial moments in the Donbass War.
Donbass: Battle of Debaltsevo