Ukraine Troops Withdraw from Key Town Despite Ceasefire Agreement

Ukraine troops were forced to retreat this week from the embattled transport hub of Debaltseve after pro-Russian rebels were able to seize most of the town.

The announcement of the Ukrainian troop retreat comes despite a ceasefire that has been enacted between the two groups since last week.

Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko confirmed in a statement that 80 percent of Ukrainian troops had been pulled from Debaltseve as of Wednesday morning.

 "This morning the Ukrainian armed forces together with the National Guard completed an operation for a planned and organised withdrawal from Debaltseve," Poroshenko said, adding "As of now we can say that 80% of our units have left."

"We are expecting another two columns (to leave)," the president added.

According to the New York Times, the troops' loss of Debaltseve to pro-Russian rebels proves to be a major setback for the separatists.

Meanwhile, U.S. leaders have warned Russia not to violate the ceasefire agreement they reached with the Ukraine last week in Minsk.

"Stop arming the separatists. Stop sending hundreds of heavy weapons across the border in addition to your troops. Stop pretending you are not doing what you are doing," US Ambassador Samantha Power said in a statement.

"Russia signs agreements then does everything within its power to undermine them. Russia champions the sovereignty of nations and then acts as if a neighbour's borders do not exist," she added.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden also suggested that Russia will face tougher sanctions if it violates the ceasefire agreement, saying in a statement that the "costs to Russia will rise" if it continues to violate the negotiation.