Russian President Vladmir Putin told Kiev to allow its soldiers to surrender to pro-Russian rebels, who have encircled them whilst taking the eastern town of Debaltseve.
The agreed cease disintegrated after both sides refused to withdraw heavy weaponry form their front lines and pro-separatist militants carried on an offensive reports Reuters.
“I hope that responsible figures in the Ukrainian leadership will not hinder soldiers in the Ukrainian army from putting down their weapons,” said Mr Putin.
“If they aren’t capable of taking that decision themselves and giving that order, then (I hope) that they won’t prosecute people who want to save their lives and the lives of others,” he added.
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The agreed cease disintegrated after both sides refused to withdraw heavy weaponry form their front lines and pro-separatist militants carried on an offensive reports Reuters.
“I hope that responsible figures in the Ukrainian leadership will not hinder soldiers in the Ukrainian army from putting down their weapons,” said Mr Putin.
“If they aren’t capable of taking that decision themselves and giving that order, then (I hope) that they won’t prosecute people who want to save their lives and the lives of others,” he added.
See related articles.
France, Germany and Ukraine call for free access to ceasefire observers (16 Feb 2015)
Ceasefire comes into effect in Ukraine (15 Feb 2015)