What is "debaltseve"

Debaltseve ( Debálʼtseve, Debálʼtsevo) is a city in the Donetsk Oblast ( province) of Ukraine. Administratively, it is incorporated as a city of oblast significance. The city is situated on the eastern edge of Donetsk Oblast, and borders Luhansk Oblast. In January 2014, the population was estimated at 25,525. On 18 February 2015, after the Battle of Debaltseve, the town was captured by separatists forces from the Donetsk People's Republic.