Ukrainian TV channel hromadske.tv reports Ukrainian forces’ retreat.
“A lot of them are leaving the town on foot and Ukrainian units pick them on the road to Artemivsk,” the channel’s journalist reports from the scene.
According to Hromadske’s information, ‘all units were breaking out, intelligence has fought the way’. This shows that Kyiv refused to come on terms with pro-Russia forces that promised a green corridor on condition that Ukrainians laid arms down and retreated.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s National Security Council has confirmed that a large group (over 70 soldiers of battalion ‘Kryvbas’ who were ambushed) surrendered to separatists.
“After intensive shooting their ammunition was used up and fighters had to surrender,” Andriy Lysenko, ATO press secretary, said.
Earlier Russian-backed militants urged Ukrainians encircled in Debaltseve to surrender. On Tuesday Vladimir Putin practically dubbed terrorists’ demands.
“I really hope that the respective leaders in the Ukrainian government won’t prevent Ukrainian soldiers from laying down their arms, and if they’re not in the position to make that responsible decision and give such order, in any case won’t prosecute people who want to save their lives and lives of others,” Mr. Putin said shortly after making business concessions to the Kremlin-friendly Hungarian prime minister Victor Orban who defended Moscow’s role in Europe.
Fierce fighting for the strategic town of Debaltseve has continued despite a cease-fire agreement brokered by Germany and France last week.
