Pro- Russian rebels are said to be closing in on the Ukrainian town of Debaltseve. Fighting on Monday left nine Ukrainian troops and seven civilians dead.

Debaltseve which is a major rail and road hub is being hard fought over in the run up to Wednesday’s peace talks in Minsk

Government forces have reportedly pulled back four kilometres. Territory lost and gained will have bearing on negotiating positions in any ceasefire agreed.

I think we should expect heavy Russian efforts to capture Debaltseve before the Wednesday meeting in Minsk. Establish facts on the ground.— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) February 9, 2015


The town of Vuhlehirsk – now devastated once had a population of 9,000. It fell under a rebel advance.

There have been sightings of lorries marked as ‘humanitarian aid from the Russian Federation’ but reportedly filled with fuel are said to be heading for rebel held Donetsk.

The surge in fighting is overwhelming some towns away from the frontline. The shelling has