The Russian and Ukrainian leaders have both agreed to work on a renewed ceasefire. It follows new telephone talks between the German Chancellor and the French, Russian and Ukrainian presidents on Monday.<br /><br /> Sporadic fighting has strained the current truce between pro-Russian separatists and Kyiv, which is due to end at 10pm (June 30) local time.<br /><br /> Russian president Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko also agreed to free more hostages as well as setting up efficient border controls, according to a statement from the French president’s office.<br /><br /> The border checkpoint just north of Luhansk remains in the hands of pro-Russian rebels in defiance of Kyiv’s orders to return control to the authorities.<br /><br /> Many residents are fleeing to Russia as the situation continues to deteriorate.<br /><br /> Two hundred kilometres away in the besieged city of Slovyansk, one woman was injured and several buildings were damaged as shelling continued in violation of the ceasefire.<br /><br /> The threat of EU sanctions hangs over Russia if no progress is made on peace in the region.
