Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Ukraine Tuesday to allow its troops surrender to rebel forces, as fighting escalated sharply in the country’s eastern region.
“I hope that the responsible figures in the Ukrainian leadership will not hinder soldiers in the Ukrainian army from putting down their weapons,” said Putin, according to Reuters.
The pro-Russian rebels have been rapidly advancing in the southeastern town of Debaltseve, and have reportedly surrounded over 5,000 Ukrainian troops.
The fighting in Debaltseve, a railroad hub to the east of Donetsk, broke out despite a ceasefire agreement reached in Belarusian capital Minsk just days before.
The rebels claim the ceasefire …read more
Source: Time
