Ukraine Crisis: Kiev and pro-Russian separatists agree to 'total ceasefire' in Luhansk

The Ukrainian government and pro-Russian rebels in the country's east have agreed to a "total ceasefire" in the restive region of Luhansk, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) announced.

In a statement released by the OSCE comes after revelations from the United Nations that over 1,000 people had been killed in the conflict since the signing of a previous ceasefire agreement in September.

"All agreed in principle to a total ceasefire along the entire line of contact between Ukrainian Armed Forces and those under control of the (Luhansk People's Republic), to be effective from 5 December," the OSCE said.

"They also agreed that the withdrawal of heavy weapons would start on 6 December."

The conflict between Ukrainian forces and the separatists ignited in February after the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovich following mass protests against his rule and the subsequent military operation conducted by government troops in the country's eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.