Poroshenko confirms rebels have withdrawn 'significant' amount of heavy weapons in east Ukraine

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has reportedly confirmed that pro-Russia separatists in east Ukraine have withdrawn "significant" amount of heavy weapons from the frontline.

Poroshenko added that Ukrainian troops too had pulled back "the lion's share" of their rocket and heavy artillery systems, reported the BBC.

Both sides agreed to pull back heavy weapons from the frontline by the beginning of March under a ceasefire deal agreed in February.

The ceasefire seems to be generally holding despite continuing clashes.

Both the government and the rebels have accused each other of breaching the truce or using it as a cover to regroup.