Kiev began its withdrawal of heavy weapons in the East, but tensions persist

The Staff of the Ukrainian army said it was the guns of 100 mm from the line in accordance with the agreements Minsk 2 of 12 February.

"We have hardly noticed bombing in the regions of Lugansk and Donetsk Debaltseve but towards Mariupol, including Shyrokino, we observed frequent attacks on our positions. We have seen attempts by storm, "said the spokesman of the anti-terrorist operation in the Ukrainian army.

After the strategic decision Debaltseve last week, the possible conquest of Mariupol would be a key step to build a land bridge between Russia and the Crimea under Russian authority.

Separatist rebels say their sides they have no information on the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the Ukrainian soldiers. They also say they have begun a withdrawal of heavy weapons, but the OSCE was not able to confirm this.

"We continue to receive disturbing reports on the strengthening of the Ukrainian positions along the front line. The situation also remains to Mariupol agitated near Shyrokino where our positions were under fire in the past 24 hours, "said the spokesman of the self-proclaimed Republic of Donetsk.

Kiev also announced that none of its soldiers had been killed for the second consecutive day.

"The Minsk agreements are therefore more or less respected, it is now important to understand what will happen at the political level, because there is a high risk that the fighting could resume. And that's what people here think, "says our special correspondent in eastern Ukraine, Sergio Cantone.