Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says that the bulk of Russian forces had withdrawn from rebel-held territory in the east, and that greatly enhances the chances for a lasting cease-fire. 

“Based on the latest information I have received from our intelligence services, 70 percent of the Russian troops have moved back across the border,” Poroshenko said at a nationally televised cabinet meeting.  “This bolsters our hope that the peace initiatives enjoy good prospects.”  He’s clearly trying to build a sense of momentum around the peace process, which got off to a shaky start over the weekend and still must clear several hurdles in further talks. 

Chancellor Angela Merkel told the German parliament that the latest round of sanctions against Moscow ought to be implemented immediately, because Russia hasn’t fully complied with the cease-fire.  And Ukraine’s foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin reportedly has been seeking support in the European Parliament for yet another round of economic sanctions to keep the pressure on Moscow to pull back.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott phoned Poroshenko and promised to send military equipment to Ukraine’s army.  A week ago, Abbott told Parliament that Australia would send "non-lethal military assistance" to Ukraine such as military winter clothing, blankets and first-aid kits.  Abbott also expressed his interest to visit Ukraine.