Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov called on Ukraine to distance itself from what he called "extremists" in the east and pursue a course towards peace. He said "tangible progress" had been achieved in implementing measures agreed in Minsk this month and that the ceasefire was being "consolidated".
Hundreds of Ukrainian troops are surrendering to pro-Russian separatist forces in the encircled town of Debaltseve, separatist press service DAN cited a pro-Russian rebel official as saying today.
The news was backed up by Semen Semenchenko, the head of a pro-government volunteer battalion, who reportedly said the withdrawal of forces was taking place in a "planned and organised way".
Mr Semenchenko also said on Facebook that the "enemy [pro-Russian forces] is trying to cut the roads and prevent the exit of the troops".
Thousands of Russians are marching in Moscow to mark the first anniversary of what they viewed as a "coup" in neighbouring Ukraine.
14 soldiers died and many more were injured as Ukraine left the strategically important hub of Debaltseve.
Dramatic footage shows the moment a TV crew were forced to flee a huge explosion after a gas pipeline was hit by mortar fire in Ukraine.