Ukraine crisis: Further weapons withdrawals agreed

"It was again a very long, very intensive discussion which in parts was very controversial," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

"During these talks today the differences of opinion between Kiev and Moscow also became clear once again."

"What is decisive is that in light of the worsening situation, we agreed today not only to continue with the withdrawal of heavy weapons but also to include other categories of weapons in the withdrawal," Mr Steinmeier said.

"Now, tanks, armoured vehicles, mortars and heavy weapons below a 100 mm (3.94 inches) calibre will be included in the withdrawal commitment."

Both Ukraine and the rebels claim to have withdrawn heavy weapons from the line of contact, although sporadic shelling has continued.

Ukraine, Western leaders and Nato say there is clear evidence that Russia has helped the rebels with troops and heavy weapons. Russia denies that, insisting that any Russians on the rebel side are "volunteers".

More than 6,000 people have been killed in clashes since the rebels seized large parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions last April — a month after Russia annexed Ukraine's southern Crimea peninsula.

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