Retreating Ukrainian troops 'abandoned on the frontline'

Ukrainian soldiers forced into a withdrawal from the town of Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine have described their terrifying ordeal, and accused their own government of "abandoning them."

Martin Geissler reports from near the porous frontline of this ongoing crisis.

The Ukrainian Defence Ministry said 14 of their soldiers were killed and 157 wounded during the withdrawal.

93 servicemen have been taken prisoner, whilst a further 82 are still missing, Ukraine said.

The rebels have maintained that the ceasefire did not apply to Debaltseve.

Ukrainian soldiers said they were promised extra supplies that were never delivered.

Viktor Kovalenko, a lieutenant in one of the battalions forced into retreat, said the were fired on and trapped during their escape. He said the sense of abandonment felt by the soldiers was profound for those fighting for the Ukrainian government.