Moscow will not accept defeat for Ukraine rebels, says Putin

The leaders of Russia and Germany squared off over Ukraine from opposite sides of the globe.

Vladimir Putin warned Moscow will not accept a defeat for pro-Russian rebels and Angela Merkel accused the Kremlin of undermining peace across Europe.

But despite the harsh rhetoric, EU foreign ministers refrained from increasing the sanctions against Moscow, voicing support for a floundering peace deal in eastern Ukraine that has been undermined by continuing hostilities. At least 10 people were killed and 17 others wounded in the latest fighting, authorities reported yesterday.