Ukraine's military said on Monday it could not start withdrawing heavy weapons from the frontline in the east as pro-Russian separatists had not stopped attacking government positions despite a ceasefire deal.
Over the weekend, rebels and the Ukrainian military said they had reached an agreement to begin the process of withdrawing weapons, as required by the ceasefire deal that came into effect on Feb. 15.
Violence has lessened significantly in recent days, but rebels twice shelled government troops overnight, spokesman Anatoly Stelmakh said.
"Given that the positions of Ukrainian servicemen continue to be shelled, there can not yet be any talk of pulling back weapons," spokesman Vladislav Seleznyov said in a televised briefing.
Ukraines Forces Withdraw From Key Eastern Town As Russia Claims Control Ukraine Blocks Major Russian Assault: 5 Missiles, 48 Drones Downed Russian Schoolboys Receive Military Training Amid Ukraine War Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai Joe Biden Tests Positive For Covid As Age Worries Mount 3 Men Transporting Cattle In Chhattisgarh Were Not Assaulted: Chargesheet Singer Adele Announces 'Big Break' From Music At UN, India Calls For Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza, Release Of Hostages Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.