Here's another update from our news desk:
Deadly fighting continues to rage in eastern Ukraine, hours before a ceasefire between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces is due to take effect.
The rebels have stepped up attacks on Ukrainian forces, dimming hopes for the peace accord sealed on February 12 in Minsk by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France.
The truce comes into force at midnight local time on February 15.
Debaltseve, a strategic transport hub controlled by government forces, has reportedly come under intense rebel bombardments.
The local police chief, Vyacheslav Abroskin, said on Facebook that the town was "in flames."
Fierce fighting is reportedly underway in several other cities, including Mariupol.
Kyiv and Washington accuse Russia of pouring weapons into eastern Ukraine in a bid to help the militants seize more territory before the truce starts.
(Reuters, AP, AFP, Interfax)
And here's a map of the latest military situation in Donbas, hours before the start of the Minsk cease-fire -- from Ukraine's Security and Defense Council. (Click to enlarge):
