Ukraine: Rebels take prisoners after ‘seizing’ key battle town

Pro-Russian rebels have taken Ukrainian troops prisoner as they seized control in parts of the key transport hub of Debaltseve. Ukraine’s defence ministry admitted some soldiers had been captured after an ambush - but said the number was lower than the 300 stated by Russian media. While the internationally brokered ceasefire that came into force on Sunday is holding elsewhere in eastern Ukraine, fighting continues in Debaltseve, where thousands of government troops had been encircled by rebels. Both sides claim Debaltseve is on their side of the ceasefire line.

Eighty per cent of Debaltseve is already ours.

Eduard Basurin, a rebel leader

The truce, agreed after talks between Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France, required both sides to withdraw heavy artillery from the front line on Tuesday. This has not yet happened. For Russian President Vladimir Putin, the solution is for government troops in Debaltseve to surrender. During a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Mr Poroshenko called for the EU and international community to take a “tough reaction against the treacherous actions of the rebels and Russia”.

Europe Debaltseve