Ukraine Cease-Fire Continues to Hold, Despite Troop Deaths
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semakokal/iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — The cease-fire in Ukraine is holding up, despite the deaths of over 20 Ukrainian troops in Devaltseve, the strategic railroad town in the eastern part of the country.
The Ukrainian government has made the decision to pull troops out of Devaltseve, a decision that many hope could allow that cease-fire to last just a little bit longer.
A Pentagon spokesman said on Wednesday the administration is watching the situation in Ukraine closely, but ruled out U.S. military involvement.
The violence is threatening the cease-fire agreement signed by Russian, Ukrainian and European leaders last week.
Rear Admiral John Kirby said on Wednesday the recent violence has not changed U.S. strategy.
“Our recognition here in the Pentagon is that a U.S. military solution is not going to be had here,” Kirby said. “What needs to happen is Moscow needs to abide by the agreement it signed up to.”
The president of Ukraine will still have to go back to Kiev and explain why he is giving up the strategic town, which could undermine his ability to make concessions down the road.
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