Kiev Forces, Donbass Rebels Agree 'Humanitarian Corridor' in Ukraine's Debaltseve

A temporary truce is in force in the Ukrainian city of Debaltseve, both Kiev officials and pro-Russian forces have confirmed.

The move, which follows a meeting of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande, is aimed at allowing civilians to evacuate. They have time to do so until 17:00 EET (15:00 GMT) on Friday, RBC Daily reports.

OSCE monitors departed on Friday morning for Debaltseve in about 30 busses to collect citizens leaving the city.

Also on Friday, a meeting of Merkel and Hollande is expected with Russian President Vladimir Putin. German media reports suggest they are to put forward a peace plan including a step to boost the autonomy of both Donbass "People's Republics".