Ukraine: Washington and London raise their voice against the Kremlin

"The Ukrainian separatist movement is (...) a de facto extension of the Russian army"

While Moscow, Kiev, Berlin and Paris call for respect of the cease-fire in Ukraine, London intends to exclude Russia from the Swift interbank payment system. A sanction which would deal a further blow to the Russian economy. For his part, the head of US diplomacy does not mince his words to the Kremlin. According to John Kerry, "the Ukrainian separatist movement is (...) a de facto extension of the Russian army." "They continue to distort the truth, to lie, whatever term you choose about their activities. And, right in my eyes and in those of other on different occasions, "said the chief diplomat before a Senate committee.

The second part of the peace agreement, , is respected by neither side. The rebels claim nevertheless have started yesterday to honor their commitments. "We started the withdrawal of heavy weapons in 4 cities Debaltseve, Horlivka, Donetsk and Telmanove" said rebel leader Eduard Bassourine.

Information impossible to verify, as emphasized the spokesman of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Ukraine. "We are not in a position at this time to verify the withdrawal of heavy weapons because essential information has not been provided. The cease-fire does not hold in strategic areas such as Debaltseve or Donetsk, Mariupol, but also, "said Michael Bociurkiw.

Kiev accuses separatists wanting to seize Mariupol's strategic port to create a bridge with annexed the Crimea last year by Russia.