Kiev: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has pledged greater autonomy for the separatist east but says that would not compromise Kiev's control.

He has also said that 70 per cent of Russian forces had left the east, greatly improving security in the region and enhancing chances of a fragile truce.

A separatist fighter stands guard in Donetsk, Ukraine. Despite a ceasefire, tensions are still high. Credit:Getty Images

The pro-Western leader's comments on Wednesday were soon followed by a European Union decision to extend by another day a heated debate on unleashing new sanctions aimed at punishing Russia over what the West says is Moscow's military aggression in Ukraine.

Mr Poroshenko said Friday's ceasefire - the first backed by both Kiev and Moscow since the conflict erupted five months ago - had dramatically improved security in the country's war-ravaged industrial rustbelt.