Leaders of Ukraine and Russia have agreed to work on a bilateral ceasefire to allay conflicts in eastern Ukraine. The negotiations will also focus on setting up effective border controls. The decision to negotiate a bilateral ceasefire was agreed following talks between leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France on Monday evening.

The temporary ceasefire, which is now active for three days, has had little impact on suppressing conflicts in eastern Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko agreed to work towards creating a bilateral ceasefire between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

A statement from the French President confirmed the deal. The statement said that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine have agreed to work on liberating hostages and prisoners and to fortify border controls.

The leaders reached on a consensus after a four-way teleconference with French President Francois Hollande and his German counterpart, Angela Merkel. Putin has called for extension of ceasefire and has also requested the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to play an active role in evaluating the cease fire.