Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a seven-point plan to stop military clashes in eastern Ukraine, which have claimed over 2,600 lives since March.
Putin also told media that his earlier phone communication with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko was very close to finding a political solution to Ukraine crisis.
"In order to stop the bloodshed and stabilize the situation in south-eastern Ukraine, I think that the fighting parties should immediately agree upon and implement the following steps: firstly, to cease offensive military operations by armed militia forces of southeastern Ukraine in Donetsk and Luhansk regions," Vladimir Putin said.
The plan also includes the withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces to a distance that would make it impossible to fire on populated areas with artillery; Organizing the exchange of detained individuals by force without preconditions; Open humanitarian corridors for refugees and humanitarian aid; Allowing for international monitoring of compliance with the ceasefire; And banning airstrikes against civilians and populated areas. The plan also calls for the repair and rebuilding of social facilities and life-supporting infrastructure, and helping the region prepare for winter.