The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France announced that a ceasefire would begin on 15 February.

The deal also involves the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the front line, but some issues remain to be settled.

The pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine have signed the agreement.

Thousands of people have died in almost a year of fighting in the region.

French President Francois Hollande said he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel would ask their European Union partners to support the deal at a summit later on Thursday.

The agreement - reached after 17 hours of negotiations in Minsk - includes:

Ceasefire to begin at midnight on 15 February

Heavy weapons to be pulled out

All prisoners to be released

Mr Poroshenko said Ukraine would establish control of international border by the end of the year

Ms Merkel said there was now a "glimmer of hope", although big hurdles remained.

Mr Putin told Russian television: "It wasn't the best night for me, but it's a good morning."

The separatist leader in the Luhansk region, Igor Plotnitskiy, welcomed the agreement.

"We hope that thanks to our efforts today Ukraine will change and stop firing at civilians, hospitals and socially important facilities," he said.

Key unresolved issues include the status of Debaltseve, a government-held town surrounded by rebels that has been the focus of fierce fighting in recent days.

Further talks will also be held on self-rule in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk separatist regions.

(BBC News)