Ukraine, Russia agree to work on ceasefire extension

Kiev, June 30 (IANS) Ukraine and Russia have agreed to work together to extend a ceasefire between Kiev and pro-Kremlin rebels in eastern Ukraine, the media reported Monday.

The two countries are also working towards the establishment of effective border controls, BBC quoted French presidency as saying in a statement.

The agreement follows a four-way teleconference between the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France to resolve the conflict in east Ukraine.

A ceasefire between the Ukrainian authorities and pro-Russian separatists is due to end Monday evening.

But the temporary truce, part of a peace plan to end the conflict that has killed more than 400 people since April, was extended for three days Friday. However both sides have been accusing the other of violating it.

Five Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in clashes in the east and a Russian journalist was also shot dead while he was reporting in the city of Donetsk.