Russian president Putin agrees ceasefire with Ukraine

An all-night talk involving the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany led to the ceasefire agreement in eastern Ukraine.

17:30 12 February 2015

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed a ceasefire with Ukraine following an all-night debate involving the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany.

The agreement, which was broadly welcomed by all parties involved, will take effect on 15 February. It was signed by pro-Russian separatist leaders, Russian and Ukrainian envoys, and European mediators.

It will be followed by the withdrawal of heavy weapons, as confirmed by Mr Putin.

He said: “We have managed to agree on the main things.” However, he admitted that there was still a disagreement over Debaltseve, a key transport hub and the centre of fierce fighting.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said: "The main thing which has been achieved is that from Saturday into Sunday there should be declared without any conditions at all, a general ceasefire."

Following the ceasefire agreement, Ukraine received an extra boost when the International Monetary Fund confirmed a $17.5bn aid package for the country, conditional on sweeping economic reforms.