Pro-Russian separatists and representatives from Kiev and Moscow have agreed on further measures to ensure a ceasefire between Ukrainian troops and the pro-Russians.

Violations of a September 5 ceasefire between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian separatists, whom Kiev says have been reinforced by Russian weapons and soldiers crossing the border, have kept Ukrainian troops on full alert.

Former president Leonid Kuchma, representing Kiev at talks, said the two sides had agreed to create an 18-mile buffer zone at the front line.