A ceasefire between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists has come into effect from 12.01am on Sunday local time (10.01pm Saturday), though sporadic shell fire has been reported across parts of eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Petro Poreshenko spoke in a nationally televised broadcast, saying,
"I very much hope that the last chance to begin the long and difficult peaceful process for a political settlement will not be wasted."
However artillery and mortar fire was still being reported in parts of eastern Ukraine, particularly around the besieged town of Debaltseve.
Ukrainian military spokesman Vladyslav Seleznyov said shells were launched at army positions and Valeriy Chalyi, a senior official in the Ukrainian presidency, told the BBC that there were at least 10 instances of shelling reported after the ceasefire was declared.