A ceasefire is proving difficult but pro-Russian rebels and government forces have exchanged dozens of prisoners in eastern Ukraine in line with the latest peace agreement brokered by France and Germany.<br /><br /> The handover of 139 Ukrainian soldiers and 52 separatists will be seen as a success for this month’s Minsk accord.<br /><br /> But away from the frontline, amid accusations over non-respect of the deal, the United States and its European allies are in talks about harsher sanctions against Moscow.<br /><br /> “So far, Russia and the separatists are only complying in a few areas selectively – not in Debaltseve, not outside Mariupol and not in other key strategic areas,” US Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters <br />in London after meeting his British counterpart Philip Hammond.<br /><br /> “That is simply unacceptable. If this failure continues, make no mistake, there will be further consequences, including consequences that would place added strains on Russia’s already troubled economy.”<br /><br /> Kerry said that other
