Ukraine fighting continues as ceasefire looms
Fierce fighting breaks out in country’s east amid claims by the United States that Russia is deploying heavy arms.
Fierce fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels has ensued just hours before a February 15 ceasefire, signed by European leaders, takes effect.
Friday’s fighting in eastern Ukraine cast doubts on the ceasefire and came as the United States accused Russia of deploying heavy arms to eastern Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Kiev warned that shelling of civilians in the rebel-held areas in the east had intensified.
Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine’s president, said continuing bombardment of civilians by pro-Russian separatist rebels was already undermining the peace plan reached in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, on Thursday.
The deal was negotiated by the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany.
At least 28 civilians and soldiers were reported killed in the latest upsurge in fighting.
Poroshenko expressed pessimism about the prospects for the ceasefire deal.
“Unfortunately after the Minsk agreement, Russia’s offensive has significantly increased. We still think that the agreement is in great danger,” he said during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
“After what we concluded in Minsk, these are not only attacks against civilians but also against the Minsk agreement.”
The ceasefire, due to take effect from 22:00 GMT Saturday, will be the first test of the commitment by Kiev and pro-Russian separatists to the new peace plan.
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