Peace talks between Ukraine and pro-Russia separatists went nowhere Saturday, as fighting raged in the country's east, killing both soldiers and civilians.
The talks in Minsk were adjourned after several hours. A statement from the Trilateral Contact Group said that the representatives from the rebel-held areas of Ukraine did not come to the talks prepared to discuss implementation of a cease-fire and withdrawal of heavy weapons. Instead, the group said the rebels wanted to revisit the Minsk Protocol that laid the groundwork for a cessation of hostilities.
The cease-fire the sides agreed to in September has been repeatedly violated and collapsed completely last week when rebels announced the start of a new offensive designed to expand their territory.
Shelling in the strategic transport hub of Debaltseve killed 12 civilians Saturday, according to the police chief of the rebel-held Donetsk region. Debaltseve is located northeast of the city of Donetsk, connecting it with Luhansk, another major rebel stronghold.
The government still retains primary control of the vital rail and road junction, which has been without water, power and gas for days.
In addition to the civilian deaths, Ukraine's defense minister, Stepan Poltorak, announced the deaths of 15 soldiers across the east in the past day of fighting with Russia-backed separatists.