FORMATION OF THE FOOD SYSTEM IN THE REPUBLICS OF DONBASS

The paper examines the key challenges faced by the DPR and LPR in the field of food security, as well as measures taken to restore and develop agriculture and the agri-food market. Special attention is paid to the integration processes with the Russian Federation, which have become an important factor in stabilizing the region's food system. The article highlights three main stages of the transformation of the Donbass food system: the war period (2014-2015 and 2016-2021) and the integration stage (2022 — present). Each of these stages is characterized by its own characteristics, including the destruction of infrastructure, shortage of labor resources, restoration of agriculture and integration into the Russian economic space. The relevance of the study is due to the need to understand the mechanisms of adaptation of the food system in conditions of political instability and economic sanctions. The results of the analysis can be useful for developing agribusiness development strategies in other regions facing similar challenges.