Ukraine has announced a week-long ceasefire in its battle against pro-Russian separatists.

On the interior ministry website, President Petro Poroshenko is quoted as saying the truce will come into force on Friday.

Poroshenko also said that during the week government forces will only open fire if they come under attack.

Breakaway rebellions erupted in eastern Ukraine in April after street protests in Kyiv toppled the Moscow-backed leader Viktor Yanukovych and Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula.