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".
Britain will not deploy combat troops to Ukraine, which is fighting pro-Russian separatists along its eastern flank, Michael Fallon told parliament.
"We are not deploying combat troops to Ukraine and will not do so," Fallon said when asked whether the deployment of military personnel would provoke so-called mission creep.
Britain is preparing to send 75 troops and military staff to help with training and is considering more Ukrainian requests for help, the Defence Secretary added.
Mr Fallon confirmed British personnel will be based around Kiev or in western Ukraine, away from the fighting in eastern Ukraine.
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.