Pro- Russian rebels are said to be closing in on the Ukrainian town of Debaltseve. Fighting on Monday left nine Ukrainian troops and seven civilians dead.<br /><br /> Debaltseve which is a major rail and road hub is being hard fought over in the run up to Wednesday’s peace talks in Minsk<br /><br /> Government forces have reportedly pulled back four kilometres. Territory lost and gained will have bearing on negotiating positions in any ceasefire agreed.<br /><br /> I think we should expect heavy Russian efforts to capture Debaltseve before the Wednesday meeting in Minsk. Establish facts on the ground.— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) February 9, 2015<br /> <br /><br /> The town of Vuhlehirsk – now devastated once had a population of 9,000. It fell under a rebel advance.<br /><br /> There have been sightings of lorries marked as ‘humanitarian aid from the Russian Federation’ but reportedly filled with fuel are said to be heading for rebel held Donetsk.<br /><br /> The surge in fighting is overwhelming some towns away from the frontline. The shelling has
