President Petro Poroshenko on Friday said a "real" ceasefire was in place in Ukraine after the first 24 hours in seven months without a military casualty, although he admitted the truce was fragile.
"I have positive news. Today is the first 24 hours for seven months... when we have a real ceasefire in Ukraine," he said in a speech during a trip to Australia.
"You simply can't imagine how important it is for me. This is the first night when I don't have either a lost or wounded Ukrainian soldier."
The ceasefire with pro-Russian rebels was introduced on Tuesday in the hope of ending an eight-month conflict that has claimed at least 4,300 lives and displaced close to one million people, according to United Nations figures.
A Ukrainian military spokesman said on Thursday that three soldiers were killed and eight injured in the day preceding his comments.
But Poroshenko said the last 24 hours had passed without incident and that if the ceasefire held it would be "a great step for peace and stability in Ukraine".
But he warned it had only been a day.
"Everything is so fragile. But I pray that we should continue this process," he said.
"And if we will be united we will win, no doubt. Not win by military means, but we will launch political dialogue, bring peace, bring stability to my nation, to the continent and to the whole world."
The process is being closely watched in Europe, where concerns over Russia's support for the rebels has plunged East-West relations to their lowest ebb since the end of the Cold War.
The two sides -- along with Russian and European monitors -- are still trying to organise comprehensive peace talks.
'We'll win Crimea battle'
Poroshenko added that the conflict in his homeland was not just about Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity.
"This is a war for freedom, global freedom. This is a war for democracy, global democracy and this is the war for security, global security," he said.
"And I think that the tragic events which happened in July in Ukraine's sky, the terrorist attack against MH17, demonstrated how close and how small is the world."
Some 298 people died, including 38 Australian citizens and residents, when Malaysia Airlines MH17 was downed in rebel-held eastern Ukraine.
The West has claimed the plane was blown out of the sky with a missile supplied by Russia, an allegation Moscow denies.
When asked about Moscow's annexation of Crimea in March, the Ukrainian leader said he was confident the territory would eventually be returned to his country.
"I have no doubt on that. Crimea is Ukrainian... I'm absolutely sure that we'll win the battle for the Crimea," he said.
"This is a brutal violation of international law. And there should be a responsibility for this violation."
Poroshenko added that he believed the Ukrainian conflict was a "very emotional" matter for Russian President Vladimir Putin, but that peace was possible.
"I think that the Ukrainian matter for him is very emotional... I avoid the term 'we will win war'. But I can use the term 'we will win peace'," he said.
Poroshenko was greeted by dozens of Ukrainian supporters following his speech in Sydney, snapping photographs with them and joining in a rendition of the national anthem.
One supporter, Ukrainian Oleksandra Krasnova, told AFP it was vital her country continued to receive support from the international community.
"The support makes Ukraine stronger and gives more faith and belief to the Ukrainian people. It's quite important in these difficult times," she said.
AFP
Fri Dec 12 2014
The process is being closely watched in Europe, where concerns over Russia's support for the rebels has plunged East-West relations to their lowest ebb since the end of the Cold War. - AFP Photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.