The pro-Russia rebels in Ukraine say they have reached agreement with government forces on a humanitarian corridor to evacuate civilians from the epicenter of fighting.

The leaders of France and Germany were carrying a new peace initiative to the Ukrainian and Russian capitals Thursday, amid a flurry of high-level diplomacy to end what French President Francois Hollande called a war on Europe's edge.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday accused Russia of 'creating problems' for countries which are seeking closer ties with the EU.She suggested Russian president Vladimir Putin is trying to ensure several of his country's neighbouring states remain dependent on it, rather than leaning towards the West.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says continued sanctions against Russia are "unavoidable" and that it will take "patience and perseverance" to end the crisis in Ukraine.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is underlining her displeasure over Russia's role in eastern Ukraine and saying there's no reason yet to lift European Union sanctions.