Ukraine says rebels have launched a major attack on Debaltseve

Andrey Lysenko, Kiev’s military spokesman, announced that “heavy fighting” is underway on the outskirts of Debaltseve, where separatists have laid siege to several thousand Ukrainian troops. Lysenko says Kiev’s soldiers have managed to hold their positions, despite the onslaught. The fighting is apparently focused on Debaltseve’s strategically vital railway station, the battle for which has come to resemble the months-long tug-of-war over Donetsk’s airport.

Lysenko said Ukrainian troops remain in partial control of the highway to Artemivsk, currently Kiev’s only supply route to its forces in Debaltseve.

“I’ve just received intelligence regarding Debaltseve saying that heavy fighting is underway on the city’s outskirts. There are clashes near the railway station, but our troops are holding their positions and exercising every right to return fire,” said Lysenko.

Separatists claim that most of Debaltseve is now under their control. Officials from the breakaway Donetsk People’s Republic also say their forces have killed or captured dozens of Ukrainian soldiers in the area. Authorities in Kiev have not verified this information.

Andrey Tsaplienko, a journalist for the Ukrainian television station 1+1, reports that there is currently fighting in the streets of Debaltseve. He says the separatists have seized the railway station and the local police department.