Fierce fighting has continued around the strategic hub of Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine in a clear violation of last week’s peace deal reached in Minsk.<br /><br /> Pro-Russian rebels claim to be in control of 80 percent of the town.<br /><br /> Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Kyiv to call on its surrounded troops to surrender, saying he hoped safe passage would be granted them…. something Kyiv has treated with cynicism.<br /><br /> #Ukraine: we give cautious support to #Minsk agreement. Words must translate into deeds: ceasefire to be respected; need real de-escalation.— Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) February 12, 2015<br /><br /> The fighting means that both sides have ignored Tuesday’s deadline to begin withdrawing heavy guns from the front line.<br /><br /> Ukrainian government forces say that cannot pull back as long as the rebels continue their advance. <br /><br /> The ferocity of the fighting has heightened concerns in Kyiv that the separatists want to cement their recent gains before peace takes hold.<br /><br /> Observers from the OS
