The European Union has warned of sanctions if the Russia-backed separatists in Debaltseve continue to violate the ceasefire.

"The EU stands ready to take appropriate action in case the fighting and other negative developments in violation of the Minsk agreements continue," High Representative Federica Mogherini said in a statement Wednesday in the wake of escalating attacks by the rebels in the eastern Ukrinian city of Debaltseve.

She noted that "The actions by the Russia-backed separatists in Debaltseve are a clear violation of the ceasefire." Mogherini called on the separatists to stop all military activities, and urged Russia and the separatists to immediately and fully implement the commitments agreed to in Minsk, in line with yesterday's UN Security Council resolution, starting with the respect of the ceasefire and the withdrawal of all heavy weapons.

EU called for immediate access of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to assume its monitoring and verification functions in and around Debaltseve and to any other site the Mission needs to go. "Safe passage for all those who want to leave the area must also be ensured," the statement said.