Ukraine Has Started To Withdraw Its 'Heavy Weapons' From The Front

Self-propelled howitzers of the Ukrainian armed forces are seen near Artemivsk, eastern Ukraine, February 25, 2015. (Reuters/Gleb Garanich)

BBC: Ukraine 'starts heavy weapons withdrawal'

Ukraine's army is starting the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the front line in the east as part of a truce, the defence ministry says.

It says the pullout of 100mm calibre artillery "is the first step" and will be monitored by OSCE observers.

Pro-Russian rebels earlier said they had started withdrawing their weapons. This has not been verified by monitors.

The ceasefire came into effect on 15 February, but the rebels seized the key town of Debaltseve just days later.

WNU Editor: If these reports are true .... it is a positive development. But the real points of issue have always been political .... if Ukraine is to remain a united country Kiev will need to embark on serious negotiations and compromises with the east .... failure to do so will only result in the war resuming later on.

More News On Reports that Ukraine Has Started Its Heavy Weapon Withdrawal

Ukraine begins artillery withdrawal, recognizing truce is holding -- Reuters
Ukraine announces start to its withdrawal of heavy weapons from front line in the east -- AP
Ukraine Says Truce Takes Hold as Army Begins Weapons Pullback -- Bloomberg
Ukraine Says It Will Pull Back Heavy Weapons as Situation in East Stabilizes -- WSJ
Ukraine Says Starting To Withdraw Weapons From Front -- Radio Free Europe
Kiev Begins Withdrawal of Heavy Weaponry – Ukrainian Military -- Sputnik
Ukraine military has begun heavy weapons withdrawal – military spokesman -- RT
Ukraine withdraws heavy artillery from frontlines -- Deutsche Welle