There has seemingly been major progress at talks in Geneva to try to end the crisis in Ukraine. Russia has asked pro-Kremlin militants occupying buildings in the east of the country to leave them.

In return they will not be prosecuted unless they are guilty of murder.

The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry says parties have agreed on a joint statement of immediate de-escalation in the eastern regions, calling it a "good and promising start".

#Geneva meet ended, agreed on a joint statmnt on immed de-escalation in the east rgns of #Ukraine: good&promising start. #UnitedForUkraine

— MFA of Ukraine (@MFA_Ukraine) April 17, 2014

The US Secretary of State John Kerry met with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsia and the EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton.

A senior US official said earlier the diplomatic meeting in the Swiss city would mark a final attempt by Kiev to engage with Russia before Moscow is hit with additional economic sanctions.

In recent days tensions have increased with pro-Russian separatists stepping up activities in the east of Ukraine. The well-armed militia has seized armoured vehicles and weapons from Ukrainian forces and occupied a number of government buildings.

NATO has said it is taking immediate steps to boost its military presence in eastern Europe in response to what it calls Russian "aggression" in Ukraine.

With tens of thousands of Russian troops deployed along the border with Ukraine, NATO also agreed to deploy more air and sea forces - as well as increase the readiness of land forces, in the Baltic and eastern Mediterranean.

Speaking after the talks in Geneva, US Secretary Kerry outlined the terms of the deal.