United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, in accordance with the Minsk Agreement.

Spokesperson for the UN Chief, Stephane Dujarric,in a statement said the Secretary General expressed his deep concern over Russia's decision on the status of Donetsk and Lugansk of Ukraine.

He said that the UN Secretary-General urged all relevant actors to focus their efforts on ensuring an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.