Ukraine conflict: Russia's Vladimir Putin says war 'unlikely'

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, says war with neighbouring Ukraine is unlikely. 

Mr Putin also stressed his support for the recent Minsk ceasefire deal as the best way to stabilize eastern Ukraine. 

Ukraine says Russian troops have been fighting its forces but Mr Putin has repeatedly denied it. 

Earlier, Ukraine's military said rebel shelling had prevented it from withdrawing heavy weapons from the front line.

Mr Putin said if the Minsk agreement is implemented, eastern Ukraine would "gradually stabilize".

BBC