Ukraine's President Declares Unilateral Ceasefire with Pro-Russian Militants

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has declared a week long unilateral ceasefire with pro-Russian militants in the east of the country.

Heavy fighting had been continuing between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russia rebels, with new reports of military hardware entering Ukraine. 

The ceasefire had been expected ahead of the implementation of a peace plan.  However, reports say pro-Russian insurgents seem to have no intention of laying down their arms.
President Poroshenko said the ceasefire "doesn't mean they won't fight back against any aggression towards their troops" but that it was intended to give rebels time to disarm. 

The peace plan proposed by President Poroshenko promises to decentralise power and hold early local and parliamentary elections.

Source: BBC