Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels agree ceasefire after talks in Minsk
Cautious welcome for deal, which comes just hours after Nato announces rapid reaction force aimed at countering Russian aggression
Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels agreed a ceasefire yesterday, taking a first step towards ending a conflict in eastern Ukraine that has caused the worst stand-off between Moscow and the West since the Cold War ended.
The deal was agreed at peace talks with representatives of Russia and the OSCE security and rights group in the Belarussian capital Minsk.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, attending a Nato summit in Wales, confirmed the ceasefire in a written statement.
"The entire world longs for peace, the whole of Ukraine longs for peace, including millions of residents of [rebel-held] Donbass," he said. "Human life is the highest value. We must do everything possible and impossible to end the bloodshed and put an end to people's suffering."
The breakthrough came just hours after Nato leaders approved plans to create a rapid response force with a headquarters in eastern Europe aimed at countering Russian aggression.
While Ukraine is not part of the Nato alliance, Russia's actions in Ukraine have prompted fears among member countries in central and eastern Europe.