Debaltseve, Ukraine

      The last Ukrainian troops fled the eastern Ukraine city of Debaltseve after weeks under siege by rebel separatists supported by Russyan troops and equipment.   Of course, this came after a new ceasefire agreement was reached last week at Minsk.  many casualties were left behind along with many prisoners on both sides.  A prisoner exchange sent some soldiers back to their units after a negotiation on the ground.
     Pres. Poroshenko of Ukraine said that Russyan forces were obviously in breach of the ceasefire agreement.  Analysts in Europe now believe that Mad Vlad and his unmarked/unidentified troops will descend on the port city of Mariupol to gain access to its port facilities.  Why not?  Iƒ you control train lines, airports, and deep water seaports, you've got all bases covered.
      Debaltseve is the city that was occupied by Ukrainian soldiers and held as rebels attacked from all sides.  It is a key city for its rail yards that link Donetsk with Luhansk in the east of the Donbass region.  Losing it to rebel forces will make it easier for rebels to exert control over the region and ensure a difficult task for recapture of the area by government troops.
     Not surprisingly, demonstrators in Russya gathered in Moscova, in front of the Bolshoi Theater(no, not to dance) to march to Revolution Square.   They wanted to show they are "true" Russyan, not lackeys of Western Hegemonists, Western Nazis, and Western cowboys, Western rock and roll degenerates, Western Sodomizers(thank you, DSK), and Running Dogs(thank you, Mao).  Free vodka was available for demonstrators to ward off the cold and to sooth throats after chanting and yelling slogans provided on printed rally cards.
     While in Britain, Mr. Kerry also discussed LIbya and negotiations ongoing  with Iran on its nuclear arms program.  Ha.  And one wonders why cynics get no rest.