Updated

The Interfax news agency says Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has proposed a unilateral cease-fire by his troops to allow pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country a chance to lay down weapons or leave the country.

Interfax quoted Poroshenko as saying Wednesday that this would be the first step in the peace plan he has proposed to de-escalate the conflict.

He was quoted as saying: "The plan will begin with my order for a unilateral cease-fire." He added that "shortly afterward the plan will receive support from the other participants."

The proposal comes after a phone call between Poroshenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which a cease-fire was discussed.