Ukraine and the pro-Russian separatists appear increasingly close to signing a deal to end four months of fighting.

Ukrainian forces said that one of their fighter jets has been shot down by a Russian missile in combat against Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Pressure is mounting on Russia after it was accused of sending tanks, artillery and troops into Ukraine and Western powers said Moscow “outright lied” about its role and dangerously escalated the conflict.

A town in east Ukraine has come under shellfire by pro-Russian rebels amid fears they are launching a counter-offensive on government-held parts of the region.

Ukraine has claimed that its forces have captured 10 Russian soldiers in an eastern region where Ukrainian troops are fighting pro-Russia separatists.