Despite the new Minsk Agreement, despite protests from each other, the pro-Russian separatists took Debaltseve and celebrated this victory Thursday. Hugs, laughter, memories photos ... After weeks of siege, they have driven the Ukrainian troops.
"We were the first to enter," said a pro-Russian, "we broke their line, we have fought from within, then we started to hit on all sides."
With taking Debaltseve, an important railway junction, the territory of the breakaway is now relatively homogeneous.
Debaltseve was abandoned by the Ukrainian army with heavy losses. According to the Ministry of Defence, at least 13 soldiers were killed and 157 wounded, more than 80 are missing. According to the pro-Russian, 90 were taken prisoner.
Ukrainian soldiers retreated to Louhanska.
They explain that small groups of soldiers still arriving sporadically, proving that retirement was not easy. "Some have lost their unity, some covered the withdrawal of other groups, and they come back slowly."
Multiple rocket launchers firing Grad rebels were still heard around Debaltseve Thursday, blocking the arrival of humanitarian convoys.
And the situation remains tense across the front line, Kiev has reported 46 attacks against its positions during last night.
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