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".
Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from Debaltseve after intense fighting continued in the key strategic town long after a ceasefire came into force.
ITV News' International Affairs Editor Rageh Omaar explains the town's importance:
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.