Ukraine crisis

Rebels take control of Debaltseve as shelling continues in other areas, including Donetsk.

Defence secretary warned Putin could deploy tactics to destabilise the Baltic states like in Crimea.

Footage was filmed for five days by the Ukrainian charity fund Army SOS.

Russian state television showed on 17 February a video claiming to be dozens of Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered to rebel forces in the besieged town of Debaltseve in Ukraine's east

President Petro Poroshenko announced the withdrawal of 80% of units on Twitter.

The European Union still hopes a peace deal for Ukraine can work despite ongoing battles between pro-Russian rebels and government forces.

Pro-Russian rebels shelled government troops encircled in east Ukraine on Tuesday 17 February and a plan for both sides to pull back their heavy guns stalled, pushing a fragile peace deal closer to collapse

Kiev denies Donetsk People's Republic insurgents are in control of flashpoint town

Ukraine's economy has been battered by almost a year of war and political turmoil, hitting industries hard.

Putin's fall from power is more likely to come from a coup than anything Europe can impose.

Pro-Russian rebels pounded Ukrainian troops near Debaltseve leaving a European-brokered peace deal on the verge of collapse

Pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces blame each other for latest escalation of fighting.

Planned strategic reserve of natural gas and fuel oil will cover local needs in emergency situations.

US blames Russia for latest escalation of violence saying Moscow does not respect 'spirit' of ceasefire terms.

Focus switches to key transport hub as rebels seek to maximise gains before ceasefire begins.

Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande warn that Russia would face further economic sanctions if ceasefire agreement is not upheld.

Deadly violence of final days serves as grim reminder of carnage we have endured.

None of us believes a word Putin says - they're just saying something nice to avoid telling the truth.

Nato has been criticised for a weak response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Ceasefire brokered by German Chancellor Merkel and French President Hollande to start Saturday.

The UK deputy prime minister cautioned that 'we have been here before'.

Truce in eastern Ukraine to start Saturday 14 February at midnight .

Details of the agreement have not been released but news channels claimed leaders agreed to sign a document early on Thursday.

Violence has intensified since Putin agreed to attend Ukraine peace talks in Belarus this week.

Leaders of Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine set to meet in Minsk to ease escalating violence

Britain said it couldn't allow the Ukrainian armed forces to collapse.

Rockets kill civilians and soldiers in Ukrainian government-held town of Kramatorsk.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe head said separatists in Ukraine seemed constantly supplied with weapons.

Russian president in Cairo for two-day visit ahead of crucial Ukraine talks Wednesday.

Video purports to show rebel forces firing Grad multiple rocket launchers.