No sign of ceasefire as Putin seeks orderly retreat for Ukrainian troops

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday pro-Moscow rebels should allow Ukranian government forces safe passage out of the encircled eastern town of Debaltseve but Kiev should not prevent its troops from giving up their weapons. Russian-backed separatists say they have gained control of a key railway hub in eastern Ukraine. The Donetsk News Agency, a rebel mouthpiece, quoted the separatists as saying their forces have pushed government troops out of Debaltseve and now control a large part of it. Fierce fighting today, two days after a ceasefire was announced for eastern Ukraine, appeared to be focused on the city of Debaltseve, which both sides claim is on their side of the ceasefire line.

As soon as the militants cease fire, the Ukrainian side will begin to withdraw heavy weaponry from the front line.

A Ukrainian military spokesman

Both sides indicated yesterday that they would only begin the heavy weapons pullout after the other party does so. Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted rebel leader Andrei Purgin as saying that the separatists plan to discuss the possible withdrawal of weaponry later today with representatives of Ukraine, Russia and the group charged with monitoring the ceasefire, the Organisation of Security and Co-operation in Europe. Ukrainian military spokesmen said at least five troops had been killed and nine injured in the past 24 hours in the war zone as separatists continued to attack government positions, and that the pullout hinged on the ceasefire being fully observed.

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