Tuesday, 24 February 2015

UKRAINE SAYS IT CANNOT START HEAVY WEAPONS WITHDRAWAL

Ukrainian servicemen launch a Grad rocket towards pro-Russian separatist forces outside Debaltseve, 8 February  

Both sides have used devastating rocket systems during the conflict.

The Ukrainian military has said it cannot start withdrawing heavy weapons from the front line in the east until the rebels stop shelling its positions.

Military spokesman Lt Col Anatoliy Stelmakh told reporters the separatist rebels had not stopped firing.
Both sides agreed at the weekend to begin withdrawing heavy weapons shortly, under this month's ceasefire.

Germany has said it is concerned that there is still no "comprehensive ceasefire" in place.
Government spokesman Steffen Seibert called on Russia to "again urgently bring to bear its influence on the separatists".

British Prime Minister David Cameron described Russia's actions as "illegal" and accused the Kremlin of providing separatist rebels with both "fighters and equipment".
Speaking in the UK parliament he went on to warn that any attempt by the separatists to expand their territory would be met with "further significant EU and US sanctions" against Russia.

The Ukrainian government, Western leaders and Nato say there is clear evidence that Russia is helping the rebels with heavy weapons and soldiers.
Independent experts echo that accusation while Moscow denies it, insisting that any Russians serving with the rebels are "volunteers". 

Agreement in danger
Two Ukrainian soldiers died on Sunday, the military said, while the rebels reported one death on their side.
The rebels are not expected to begin their pullback until after a public holiday they are observing on Monday.
A Ukrainian soldier in near Artemivsk, east Ukraine, 23 February   

Ukrainian armour could be seen on the move on Monday around the eastern town of Artemivsk
 
Both sides have two weeks under the terms of the Minsk deal to pull artillery and tanks out of striking distance.
Last week, the 12 February ceasefire signed in the Belarusian capital, and brokered by Germany and France, looked in danger of collapsing when the rebels captured the strategically important rail hub of Debaltseve. 
For more info visit www.bbc.com

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