Руководство Украины отказалось разоружить военнослужащих, находящихся в окружении под Дебальцево. Согласно данным Министерства обороны Донецкой народной республики, украинские военные беспорядочно стреляют по местам расположения ополченцев из минометов, установок реактивного огня, а порою ведут «дружественный огонь» по своим сотоварищам. Так как выбраться шансов у украинских бойцов не осталось, они активно, добровольно переходят в плен ополченцам. О перемирии большинство из них узнают только в плену у представителей ДНР.
Head of Donetsk fighters Alexander Zakharchenko to surrounded Ukrainian POWs: "I'll tell you one truth: in Minsk as I said - guys, you are surrounded in "debaltsevo boiler" but one of Poroshenko (Ukraine President) messengers said that we are not surrounded. And everyone who is sitting there - normally fight and they normally protected themselves. But I say: if you give up - you will live. Your president betrayed you. You are nobody for him. This concerns you, though you there five thousand or though 50 thousand. You are a piece of meat for Poroshenko (Ukraine President)."
This is also Ukrainian soldiers - members of the elite 101st Brigade of General Staff and Lieutenant that commanded them. A few days they were guarding the checkpoint without food and ammunition, and then decided to surrender.
Journalist: You were surrounded or not? What did said your command about it?
Ukrainian POWs: Nothing.
Command of the Donetsk militia first of all offered Ukrainian soldiers leave this place but Kiev (Ukrainian Command) refused to acknowledge the fact of surrounded. Thousands of soldiers were abandoned to their fate. After connection of Donetsk and Lugansk (militia) armies they are doomed. However, there is still a chance - just need lay down their arms.