Ukraine ceasefire agreement reached

International news organisations report President Poroshenko of Ukraine, currently attending a NATO summit in Wales, as saying that he has ordered the army to observe a ceasefire from 1500GMT today as part of a regional peace plan.

Ukraine’s envoys in Minsk report that the pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine have agreed to temporarily cease hostilities after reaching an agreement. The bilateral ceasefire will be monitored by international observers.

In a statement, Poroshenko announced that "taking into account the call for ceasefire of President of Russia Vladimir Putin addressed to the heads of illegal armed groups of the Donbas and the signature of the protocol at the meeting of Trilateral contact group on the implementation of the Peace plan of the President of Ukraine, I order the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to cease fire starting from 18:00, September 5,"

"Human life is the highest value and we must do everything possible and impossible to end the bloodshed and the suffering," said Poroshenko.

Part of a seven-point peace plan tabled Russian Premier Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, the agreement would see both sides maintain their current positions.

Kiev is aware that their forces have suffered such losses in the past fortnight that they cannot afford to go on fighting, however it is unlikely to accept any settlement that would involve the recognition of rebel control over parts of Ukraine

No virus found in this message.

Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2014.0.4765 / Virus Database: 4015/8157 - Release Date: 09/05/14