Five Ukrainian soldiers are thought to have been killed in the clashes in Debaltseve in the latest breach of a truce, which came into effect on Sunday.
Speaking on Premier's 'News Hour' pro-western Ukrainian MP and Baptist leader Pavel Unguryan said: "They (pro-Russian separatists) want to have this city because for them it is very important for them to have a railway connection inside occupied territory.
"They (Russian government) want to have dialogue with America, with Obama but in another part they want to have a control in eastern Ukraine and also they want to control Debaltseve city. This is Russian policy, right hand make dialogue, left hand make war," he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, the leaders of Germany and Ukraine called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to use his influence to persuade separatists to adhere to an agreed ceasefire in eastern Ukraine.
Both pro-Russian rebels and government forces have so far failed to withdraw heavy weapons from the front-line.
Ukraine MP, Pavel Unguryan: