Drone Footage Shows Destruction in Debaltseve Following Clashes

A member of the pro-Ukrainian fundraising collective Army SOS shared drone footage on Wednesday, February 18, puporting to show the town of Debaltseve, following clashes between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian seperatists in the town in recent weeks.

Dozens of members of the Ukrainain forces who were injured during the clashes in Debaltseve were treated for their injuries at a central city hospital in Artemivsk on Wednesday. According to reports, over 100 members of Ukraine’s 128 Brigade were able to break through separatist lines surrounding Debaltseve before arriving in Artemivsk.

A journalist at the hospital in Artemivsk reported that over 20 of those being treated were in a serious condition.

Ukrainian media reported Wednesday that Ukrainian forces were withdrawing from Debaltseve, with footage of the withdrawal broadcast live on the Hromadske, a pro-Ukraine internet broadcaster. Semen Semenchenko, the leader of the pro-government paramilitary Donbass battalion, said on Facebook that the withdrawal of troops from Debaltseve was planned.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Wednesday that 80 percent of troops had withdrawn from the city. Poroshenko said the Armed Forces of Ukraine had fulfilled their mission. He lambasted both the pro-Russian separatists and the Russian government for failing to put the terms of the Minsk agreements to effect. Ukrainian troops fighting at Debaltseve would be honored as heroes, he said. Credit: YouTube/Yury Kasyanov