As the hours tick down before the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine comes into force.

There are real fears about whether combatants from both sides of the divide will observe the truce.

The Ukranian government claims separatists have increased attacks on the strategic railway town of Debaltseve and the coastal city of Mariupol.

Ukrainian military spokesperson Andriy Lysenko briefed the world’s media:” With the support of the Russian regular army the separatists are attempting to complete the strategic tasks that are important to them, up until the ceasefire deadline. They aim to widen the territory they control, first of all the road to Debaltseve.”

Russia denies any military involvement in Ukraine, but there is no denying Kyiv and the rebels have a profound distrust of one another.

Eduard Basurin, speaks for the separatists:” I would like to draw international attention to the fact that some Kyiv authorities are already questioning the Minsk agreements. We are ready to abide by the Minsk agreements only if Kyiv does and people stop shooting at us.”

The ceasefire will be monitored by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the UN is to meet on Sunday to discuss the reaction to the truce