After two rounds of shock therapy iafter 1991 and 2004, those areas (Donbas) had basically only remaining industry in Ukraine. Also the fact they Kiev starter the third round of shock looting in 2014 aimed specifically at Donbas was one of the main reasons of Donetsk and Luhansk demanding autonomy, which was rejected and both areas invaded by Kiev goons and civil war started.
After two rounds of shock therapy iafter 1991 and 2004, those areas (Donbas) had basically only remaining industry in Ukraine. Also the fact they Kiev starter the third round of shock looting in 2014 aimed specifically at Donbas was one of the main reasons of Donetsk and Luhansk demanding autonomy, which was rejected and both areas invaded by Kiev goons and civil war started.