Ukraine War News Updates -- January 29, 2015

Economist: War in Ukraine: Ceasefire no more

Renewed heavy fighting suggests that Russia has abandoned any pretence of sticking to the Minsk peace deal

WNU Editor: Another day of war with the pro-Russian rebels now concentrating their fire power around the town of Debaltseve. One interesting bit of news .... The Ukraine Chief of Staff for the military admitted that there are no Russian regular soldiers fighting in Ukraine .... in a direct contradiction to what Ukrainian President Poroshenko said last week when he claimed that there were 9,000 Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. More here.

What's my take for tomorrow .... more of the same. This conflict is bleeding Ukraine in every way, and I am now starting to hear and read reports that many Ukrainians are now openly expressing their frustration with the progress of the war, the dire economic situation that they are existing in, and the failure of Ukraine's politicians to make any headway in solving these problems. I can easily see mass protests returning to the streets of Kiev very soon.

Ukraine War News Updates -- January 29, 2015

Death toll mounts in intense clashes in east Ukraine -- Reuters
At least 1,427 soldiers killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine -- Kyiv Post
War Clouds Darken -- Kyiv Post
Rebels Press Assault in Eastern Ukraine -- VOA
Rebels Claim Fresh Advances In Eastern Ukraine -- Radio Free Europe
Ukraine: Russia-backed rebels overrun another town in east -- AP
Fighting Surge in Eastern Ukraine Creates New Wave of Refugees -- WSJ
Ukraine Rebels Claim New Key Victory is Within Grasp -- AP
Poroshenko Says Kiev Strengthening Defense Along Donbas Front Line -- Sputnik
Reuters: Ukraine says five serviceman killed, 29 wounded -- Kyiv Post
19 killed, dozens wounded in E. Ukraine amid rising tensions -- Xinhuanet
8 People Killed in 24 Hours as Fighting Intensifies in Eastern Ukraine -- Reuters
Prisoner exchange in eastern Ukraine, as witnessed by euronews -- Euronews
War of words between Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels heats up -- CBS
LPR leader: No talk of ceasefire until economic blockade of Donbas is lifted -- ITAR-TASS
Ukraine Clamps Down on Travel to and From Rebel Areas -- WSJ
Donetsk, Ukraine: 'They are trying to destroy us' – video - The Guardian
Kerry Says Russia Knows How to Solve Ukrainian Crisis -- Sputnik
Polish Defense Minister Says Ukraine Peace Hopes Fading -- Wsj
Belarus says next round of Ukraine talks on Jan. 30 in Minsk: TASS -- Reuters