Russia-backed rebels claim to capture key Ukraine rail hub

LUHANSKE, Ukraine — Russia-backed separatists say they have gained control of a key rail hub in eastern Ukraine.

The Donetsk News Agency, a rebel mouthpiece, quoted the rebels' so-called defense ministry as saying Tuesday that their forces have pushed government troops out of Debaltseve and are now controlling a large part of it.

Fierce fighting on Tuesday, two days after a cease-fire was announced for eastern Ukraine, appeared to be focused on Debaltseve, which both sides claim is on their side of the cease-fire line.

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