Ukraine begins withdrawal of front-line heavy weapons

Kiev, February 26

Ukraine announced on Thursday that it would begin withdrawing artillery from the front line with separatist rebels in the east, a move that amounts to recognition that a ceasefire meant to take effect on February 15 is holding at last.

The pro-Russian rebels have already been pulling back heavy weapons for two days, but Kiev had held back, arguing that fighting had not yet ceased. However, the army reported no combat fatalities at the front for a second straight day on Thursday, the first time no troops have been killed since long before the French- and German-brokered truce was meant to take effect.

The withdrawal of artillery is “point two” of a February 12 peace agreement reached in the Belarus capital Minsk, so beginning it amounts to an acknowledgement that “point one” - the ceasefire itself - is being observed.

“Today Ukraine has begun the withdrawal of 100 mm guns from the line of confrontation,” the military said in a statement, saying the step would be monitored by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

“The Ukrainian side demands a full ceasefire and immediate implementation of the Minsk agreement by all signatories. In the event of any attempted offensive, the schedule for withdrawal can be reviewed,” the military statement said. “Ukrainian forces are fully prepared to defend the country.”

The separatist rebels initially ignored the truce last week to launch an advance that led to one of the biggest battles of a war that has killed more than 5,600 people. — Reuters