Russian Backed Rebels Advance in Ukraine

ARTEMIVSK, Ukraine (AP) — A strategic rail hub in eastern Ukraine has fallen to rebel forces today after weeks of relentless fighting.

Ukrainian forces have been seen retreating from the battlefield and Ukraine's president confirms that he has ordered troops to pull out of Debaltseve. The town links the two major separatist cities of Donetsk and Luhansk.

Meanwhile, Russian-backed separatist rebels say they've taken hundreds of soldiers captive.

Associated Press reporters on the road to a government-controlled town (Artemivsk) have seen several dozen Ukrainian troops retreating with their weapons this morning. Covered in dirt and looking tired, some were riding in trucks while several others, unshaven and visibly upset, were on foot. They expressed anger that they had not received any reinforcement from the government.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says 80 percent of government troops have withdrawn from the town but two more columns have yet to leave.