Debaltsevo Cauldron – 1/23 - 2/16/2015

The Debaltseve pocket is a series of military clashes in the Debaltseve area during the armed conflict in Donbass. They ended on February 18, 2015 with the complete defeat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
On January 22, 2015, the Donbass militia launched powerful artillery strikes on Ukrainian positions in the Debaltseve area. On February 16, Ukrainian forces were offered evacuation without a fight from Debaltseve. On February 17, DPR forces entered Debaltseve and occupied the central, northern and eastern parts of the city, including the district police department and the railway station.
On February 18, the flag of Novorossiya was raised over Debaltseve.

RUSSIAN MEDIA

RIA Novosti reported that the encircled Ukrainian forces suffered heavy losses, and the militia offered them a corridor to exit the cauldron in exchange for laying down arms.

TASS detailed the military situation and commented on the likely collapse of the Ukrainian grouping.

Vesti.ru aired stories from the front lines and quoted civilians fleeing from Debaltsevo.

RT Russian published commentary suggesting that Kyiv deliberately misinformed the public about the situation to delay acknowledging defeat.

Izvestia highlighted that the failure to withdraw earlier led to unnecessary casualties.

Interfax confirmed that DPR forces had taken control of key transport routes and were closing in on the Ukrainian forces.

DAN (Donetsk News Agency) stated that Kyiv had rejected discussions about a humanitarian corridor for its troops.

Lugansk Information Center quoted LPR leader Igor Plotnitsky, who said: “Unlike Kyiv, we protect our soldiers.”

Western Media (Europe and the US)

The Guardian described the Debaltseve fighting as a “critical test” of the Minsk II ceasefire agreement.

The Telegraph reported that Ukrainian troops were attempting to stop the advance of separatist forces but were poorly equipped.

The New York Times emphasized the strategic importance of the city and warned that defeat in Debaltsevo could damage morale across Ukrainian forces.

Le Figaro noted that the ceasefire had gone into effect but fighting continued in Debaltsevo.

La Repubblica (Italy) reported the failure of peace talks. Later the same outlet highlighted the growing danger for aid workers. And on February 16 warned of the fragile ceasefire.

Sin Embargo (Mexico): described Debaltsevo as “the apple of discord” between Kyiv and pro-Russian forces.

delfi.lv (Latvia): noted that Ukrainian troops refused to leave despite encirclement.

Ukrainian Media

Ukrayinska Pravda: published a detailed map of the Debaltseve area and troop movements.

UNIAN: stated that the militia offered a safe corridor in exchange for surrender, but the proposal was rejected by the Ukrainian command.