Ukraine ceasefire to start today

Ukraine’s interior ministry says government troops will start a unilateral, seven-day ceasefire later today as a first step in efforts to de-escalate the conflict with pro-Russia separatists in the country’s east.

The ministry cited statements by president Petro Poroshenko in saying “the forces of the anti-terrorist operation will halt military action starting today and through June 27”.

Mr Poroshenko has said a short ceasefire is the first step in his plan to ease the conflict.

He said it will give separatists time to lay down their arms and leave the country, to be followed by talks, new local elections and a jobs programme.

The announcement came despite the deaths of seven Ukrainian troops last night.

Vladislav Seleznev, spokesman for Ukrainian forces in the east, said seven soldiers were killed and 30 injured in fighting outside the village of Yampil. He said 300 rebels were killed.