Ukraine Fighting Continues, Ceasefire on Brink of Collapse

Fighting continues in eastern Ukraine despite the fact that a ceasefire signed by Russia and Ukraine should be in effect.

The BBC reports that while fighting in most of the east has subsided dramatically, intense fighting was occurring around the town of Debaltseve. There were also reports of skirmishes near the port city of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov. There had been 112 contacts between Ukrainian and rebel forces since the ceasefire was to take effect at midnight, Feb. 15. The majority of those have been around Debaltseve.

Debaltseve is a town of enormous strategic importance because it lies at the juncture of rail and highway routes between rebel dominated territory in the north and south of eastern Ukraine. Control of the rail and road infrastructure would allow the rebels to more easily move men and supplies. It would also make it easier for the rebels to consolidate their control, and defend themselves from a Ukrainian counterattack.

Reuters reports that because of the continued violence around Debaltseve, Ukraine said it would not withdraw its heavy artillery and rocket systems. The ceasefire signed in Minsk, Belarus at the urging of France and Germany, called for both Ukrainian and rebel forces to withdraw their heavy weaponry to create a buffer zone. Both sides were supposed to begin withdrawing their weaponry Feb. 16.

The BBC reports that as violence continues to rage and the ceasefire is on the brink of outright collapse, the United States and European Union brought new sanctions against supporters of the rebels. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans.

In Mariupol, five Ukrainian soldiers were killed in fighting, accord to the BBC. Mariupol's port and seaside location also make it a critical battleground. Control of Mariupol would allow Russia to supply the rebels by sea, increasing the flow of supplies and fighters into the region.