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.
The handover of 139 Ukrainian soldiers and 52 separatists will be seen as a success for this month’s Minsk accord.
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.
“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
in London after meeting his British counterpart Philip Hammond.
“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.”
Kerry said that other
