These pockmarked shells are all that's left of what their owners in Debaltseve used to call their homes. The strategic railway hub in eastern Ukraine was stormed by Moscow-backed separatists two weeks ago in one of the most dramatic advances by the rebels since the start of the 10-month-old war. Fighting over the city actually intensified in the days after a ceasefire deal, signed in Minsk on February 12, was meant to take effect on February 15. Rebels who had encircled Debaltseve launched a massive assault, routing all Ukrainian forces by February 18, three days after the truce was meant to come into force.
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Debaltseve was taken by pro-Russian rebel assault ending on February 18
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Ukrainian forces humiliated days after Minsk ceasefire supposed to begin
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Haunting images show massive destruction wrought by intense fighting
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Only around 6,000 people remain in ghost city 45,000 once called home
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Nearby town of Vuhlehirsk and village of Nikishino also lie in ruins
A house ruined by fighting in the city of @placeholder.