Some Ukrainian troops withdraw from key town as battle rages

KIEV: Some Ukrainian troops were pulling out of Debaltseve, a strategic eastern town besieged by pro-Russian rebels, while others engaged in "full-scale street fighting" with the separatists, an official there told AFP by telephone.

"We are evacuating some of our units," deputy regional police chief Ilya Kiva said. "But full-scale street fighting continues , and there was also a small tank battle." He said it was "important" that reinforcements be sent to the town.