US urges Russia, rebels to `immediately` halt Ukraine attacks

Washington: The United States called on Russia and the separatists it backs to "immediately" halt attacks in eastern Ukraine, expressing grave concern about ceasefire violations.

"The United States is gravely concerned by the deteriorating situation in and around Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement. "We call on Russia and the separatists it backs to halt all attacks immediately."