Ukraine and rebels ‘agree ceasefire’ as Nato forms rapid-action force

The Ukrainian government has agreed a ceasefire with pro-Russian rebels in the east of the country. Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko confirmed on his Twitter account that a peace plan had been signed, while pro-Russian rebels also announced the news on the social media site. They said the deal was due to come into force at 5pm GMT. Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said in a televised cabinet meeting in Kiev that the peace plan must include three key elements - a ceasefire, the withdrawal of “Russian forces and Russian bandits and terrorists” and the restoration of Ukraine’s state border with Russia.

Human life is the highest value and we must do everything possible and impossible to end the bloodshed and the suffering.

Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko , speaking at a Nato summit in Wales

Meanwhile, Nato will create a “spearhead” rapid-response force in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine, it has been announced. Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen revealed the plan on the second and final day of the Nato summit in Newport, Wales. Nato members also agreed to “reverse the decline in defence budget” and aim to increase it to 2% of GDP over the next decade in response to threats from Russia and the Islamic State.

This decision sends a clear message: Nato protects all allies at all times. And it sends a clear message to any potential aggressor: Should you even think of attacking one ally, you will be facing the whole alliance.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen

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