Ukraine says it cannot start heavy weapons withdrawal

The Ukrainian military has said it cannot start withdrawing heavy weapons from the front line in the east until the rebels stop shelling its positions.

 

Military spokesman Lt Col Anatoliy Stelmakh told reporters the separatist rebels had not stopped firing.

 

Both sides agreed at the weekend to begin withdrawing heavy weapons shortly, under this month’s ceasefire.

 

Germany has said it is concerned that there is still no “comprehensive ceasefire” in place.

 

Government spokesman Steffen Seibert called on Russia to “again urgently bring to bear its influence on the separatists”.

 

British Prime Minister David Cameron described Russia’s actions as “illegal” and accused the Kremlin of providing separatist rebels with both “fighters and equipment”.

 

Read More: BBC News – Ukraine says it cannot start heavy weapons withdrawal