Ceasefire holding in Ukraine but four soldiers killed in Debaltseve

Four Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in attacks by separatists since a ceasefire came into force, according to reports. The ceasefire came into force on Sunday morning, but a Kiev military source has reported four deaths since then. A further 21 Ukrainian soldiers have been wounded, the source added. Occasional shelling and gunfire has been heard close to the flashpoint town of Debaltseve in the country’s east. It is on the frontline between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian separatists.

Of course we can open fire (on Debaltseve). It is our territory.

Senior rebel commander Eduard Basurin

The ceasefire agreement was reached following talks in the Belarus capital Minsk led by France and Germany. But Pro-Russian rebels had indicated they would not observe the truce at Debaltseve where Ukrainian forces have been largely surrounded. A statement released by Kiev said the “enemy” was carrying out attacks in the region using Grad rockets. It said the military had a plan to try to re-take control of Debaltseve.