Eastern Donbas comprises the portions of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk Regions that have been occupied by Russian and Russian-backed separatist forces since 2014. It covers about a third of the two regions’ territory and was home to more than half of their prewar population of 6.5 million people, though the current population cannot be precisely determined. Local authority rests in the hands of the so-called People’s Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, which are entirely dependent on Moscow for financial and military support. The Russian Federation recognized both entities as independent states in 2022 and illegally annexed them later in the year.
Research & Recommendations
Eastern Donbas*
Not Free
2
100
| PR Political Rights | -1 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 3 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
3
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
* Indicates a territory as opposed to an independent country.
Overview
Eastern Donbas comprises the portions of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk Regions that have been occupied by Russian and Russian-backed separatist forces since 2014. It covers about a third of the two regions’ territory and was home to more than half of their prewar population of 6.5 million people, though the current population cannot be precisely determined. Local authority rests in the hands of the so-called People’s Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk (DNR and LNR, respectively), which are entirely dependent on Moscow for financial and military support. The Russian Federation recognized both entities as independent states in 2022 and illegally annexed them later in the year. Security services exercise tight control over local political activity, leaving no room for meaningful opposition. Local media are severely restricted, and social media users have been arrested for critical posts. The rule of law and civil liberties are not respected.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
2
/ 100
Not Free
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
