Ukraine’s Military Suffered Heavy Losses in Eastern City
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iStock/Thinkstock(DEBALTSEVE, Ukraine) — As rebel forces and Ukrainian troops continue to violate a ceasefire agreement in eastern Ukraine, Ukraine’s losses in the futile battle to keep control of the key city of Debaltseve have turned out to be far worse than initially reported.
In addition to 13 soldiers who were killed during the fight against Russia-backed separatists, the military said that over 150 troops were wounded while scores were either taken prisoner or reported missing. It’s believed the casualty number will continue to rise as more news filters out from the region.
Hoping to turn the failure into an incomplete success, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that nearly 2,500 soldiers made it out of Debaltseve safely, along with 200 vehicles.
However, the loss of the city was cheered by rebel factions intent on breaking off with Kiev to join the Russia Federation.
Meanwhile, fighting was reported in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as well other cities, an indication that the temporary truce signed by Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany last week is turning out to be as ineffective as an armistice signed last September.
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