Ukraine president confirms 'de-escalation' in conflict

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko confirmed today a "gradual de-escalation" in fighting between government forces and pro-Russian separatists, a month after a ceasefire agreement came into effect.
"The fact that we have not had military losses for several days... Is a clear indication of a gradual de-escalation," Poroshenko told Ukraine's private 1+1 television network.
Poroshenko's remarks tallied with those of international ceasefire monitors, who said Thursday that the February 12 truce was "broadly" holding up, despite sporadic clashes in a handful of flashpoints.
Poroshenko said he was confident that Ukraine's appeals to the West for arms -- which so far have fallen on deaf ears -- would receive a favourable response if the rebels mounted a renewed offensive.

"If there is a new upsurge in the aggression against Ukraine, I can say with certainty that we will immediately receive lethal weapons and a new wave of sanctions against the aggressor. We will act in a tough and concerted fashion," he said.
On Wednesday the US announced plans to send Kiev military equipment worth USD 75 billion -- but not weapons.