The second Ukrainian cease-fire, hammered out in February, is seen by the international community as tentatively successful, except for the Ukrainian’s post-ceasefire defeat at Debaltseve. But the cease-fire’s success at stemming the violence in Ukraine may have had more to do with winter weather than a successful diplomatic intervention by the West and NATO. Rebel forces controlling eastern Ukraine said the country has not held up its end of the bargain in giving the region autonomy. Rebel leader Andrei Purgin told the Associated Press, “The Minsk agreement isn’t working, because the Ukrainian side has blocked it by the actions of the Rada [Ukrainian parliament].” And now, there are reports that 22 Russian tanks crossed into Ukraine last week. Not only does Russian President Vladimir Putin allow Russian “volunteers” to fight in the Ukrainian conflict, he’s allowing them to borrow his tanks. More…

(Hat tip: Hot Air)