Ukraine Donbass Rebels 'Ready to Cease Fire'

Pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine's east have said they are ready to lay down arms if Kiev officials sign a plan outlining the steps to peace.

The heads of both self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic", claiming control over Eastern Ukraine's bigges cities, have insisted they will uphold a ceasefire if Ukraine shows commitment to a political regulation of the months-long conflict, according to ITAR-TASS news agency.

Their announcement follows Wednesday's statement by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who said he had agreed on a "ceasefire process" with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

The two leaders are due to meet once more in Minsk after Poroshenko's talks with NATO members' leaders at the Wales summit. According to Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council's Andriy Lisenko, during the meeting the President is expected to deliver his own plan to deescalate tensions.

On Thursday Poroshenko told Reuters Ukrainian armed forces would stop their attacks on separatists on Friday, September 5, at 15:00 Moscow time (14:00 in Kiev).

The rebels later said they would respect the deadline in case a document has been signed by then.

More to follow.