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".
President Barack Obama will evaluate the next steps in dealing with the conflict in eastern Ukraine in the coming days, including arming Ukrainian forces and sanctions against Moscow, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in talks in London today.
He said in a news conference: "In the next few days I anticipate that President Obama will evaluate the choices that are in front of him and will make his decision as to what the next step will be.
"There are serious discussions taking place between us and our European allies as to what those next sanctions steps are to be and when they ought to be implemented".
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.