Ukraine government forces, rebels withdraw heavy weapons

NOVOAMVROSIIVSKE, Ukraine — Ukrainian and Russian-backed separatist forces drew back some heavy weapons from the front line in the east Friday in compliance with a cease-fire deal, although officials in Kiev accused rebels of falling short of requirements.

Separatist fighters moved rocket launchers to a location 43 miles back from the line of contact with Ukrainian forces as required by the peace agreement. Associated Press journalists in the morning followed four trucks carrying Grad launchers from the rebel stronghold of Donetsk to a cement factory in the village of Novoamvrosiivske, near the Russian border.

AP reporters also saw Ukrainian troops pulling back 100 mm anti-tank guns from the front line near the town of Artemivsk. The required withdrawal distance for weapons varies depending on their power and range.

The weapons seen by AP represent only a minute fraction of the firepower believed to be at either side's disposal and an exhaustive assessment by international monitors is expected in the coming days.

The pullback of heavy weapons was supposed to have started over a week ago under a deal agreed by the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to end fighting in Ukraine that has killed nearly 5,800 people since April.

Read Friday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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