Ukraine to begin weapons withdrawal

Ukraine’s military has said it will start pulling back its heavy weapons from the front line with Russian-backed separatists as required under a ceasefire agreement.

But the Defence Ministry said it reserved the right to revise its withdrawal plans in the event of an attack by rebel forces. It added the first weapons to be pulled back would be 100 mm field guns.

The intensity of fighting has declined notably in recent days, although the warring sides have continued to trade accusations of violations in the ceasefire that came into force at one minute past midnight on February 15.