Russia's War Against Ukraine
OP-ED
Paul Roderick Gregory: Minsk cease-fire farce goes on
Pro-Russian rebels stationed in the eastern Ukrainian city of Gorlivka, Donetsk region, launch missiles from Grad launch vehicles on February 18, 2015. Ukrainian troops pulled out of the hotspot eastern town of Debaltseve after it was stormed by pro-Russian rebels in what the EU said was a \"clear violation\" of an internationally-backed truce. AFP PHOTO / ANDREY BORODULIN
The parties of the Minsk II ceasefire knew it was in trouble when the separatists unilaterally declared that the contested rail junction at Debaltseve was not part of the agreement. The rebel shelling of Debaltseve continued nonstop, and, contrary to the Minsk II agreement, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe observers were not allowed in to monitor the contested area.
