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".
Pro-Russian separatists have signed the ceasefire agreement to end the fighting in eastern Ukraine, French President Francois Hollande said.
Speaking to journalists, Hollande said German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and himself would ask the European Union to support the deal at a summit later in the day.
Meanwhile a joint declaration distributed by the Kremlin said the four leaders had committed to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity at the talks at Minsk.
It said it had been agreed that regular meetings would be held to ensure the agreements were fulfilled.
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.