"The intensity of combat in most sectors has subsided, with the exception of the Debaltseve area. Our positions in this sector came under fire 88 times in the past 24 hours," spokesman Andriy Lysenko told reporters.
Several thousand Ukrainian troops remain encircled by pro-independence forces in the town of Debaltseve, a major railroad junction.
On February 14, the head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Zakharchenko, said that the militia would cease fire everywhere but in inner parts of its territory, adding that any attempts by Kiev soldiers to leave Debaltseve will be stopped.
However, during telephone conversations, the leaders of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine stressed that the ceasefire must be respected in the entire conflict zone, including Debaltseve.
