Speaking at a ceremony for foreign diplomats in the Kremlin, the Russian president said: “The anti-constitutional coup in Kiev and the attempts to impose on the Ukrainian people an artificial choice between Europe and Russia pushed society towards a schism, a painful internal confrontation.” Mr Putin added: “In the south east of the country, blood is flowing, there is a real humanitarian catastrophe, tens of thousands of refugees are forced to seek shelter, including in Russia.” The trade deal came amid tense talks over a peace plan suggested by Mr Poroshenko. He earlier announced a week-long ceasefire in an attempt to persuade pro-Russia rebels in the east of Ukraine to lay down their arms.