DHAKA: The Ukrainian president says his forces are making an ‘organised’ withdrawal from the embattled town of Debaltseve.

Petro Poroshenko said 80% of Ukraine’s troops had left on Wednesday morning, with more to follow, reports the BBC.

Fighting has raged over the transport hub, with pro-Russian rebels seizing control of most areas, despite a ceasefire deal.

Russia’s foreign minister said Ukrainian forces had been encircled and were forced to battle their way out.

‘I’m reckoning that common sense will prevail,’ said Sergei Lavrov as he urged the rebels to provide troops who surrendered with food and clothes.

The withdrawal comes after Russian president Vladimir Putin urged Ukraine’s troops in Debaltseve to surrender.

BDST: 1758 HRS, FEB 18, 2015