Poroshenko: separatists continue attacks in Debaltseve

Despite cease-fire, intense fighting around key coal hub Debaltseve; rebels say no cease-fire around that city.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Monday that pro-Russian Separatist attacks are continuing in eastern Ukraine city of Debaltseve.
In a statement issued by his office, Poroshenko warned that continuing attacks around the city threatened the cease-fire.
At least 16 people have died in the fighting around the city, where the cease-fire does not seem to have taken effect.
But pro-Russian rebel commander Eduard Basurin told Interfax that separatist fighters would not observe the truce in Debaltseve, where thousands of Ukraine troops are reportedly encircled by rebel fighters.
Basurin said that the cease-fire “did not apply” in “our territory” (referring to Debaltseve).
Debaltseve is a key railway hub for Ukraine, and the country cannot maintain its coal supply should it be taken.
The head of Ukraine’s security service, Valentyn Nalyvaichenko said in a press conference on Monday there has also been shelling attacks on Sunday in the Luhansk region.