RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin gave public support today to the Kiev government’s ceasefire declaration and urged both sides to negotiate a compromise.

On the 73rd anniversary of Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union, as Russia and Ukraine commemorated the tens of millions who perished during what they know as the Great Patriotic War, Mr Putin said that any compromise must guarantee the rights of Russian-speakers in eastern Ukraine.

They must feel that they are “an integral part” of their own country, he added.

Separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions have asserted their independence and asked to join Russia, but Moscow has not entertained these appeals.

The Russian leader discussed the ceasefire yesterday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande.

“After the Russian government too referred to the ceasefire in positive terms, the parties emphasised the need for all sides to abide by it now and for a political dialogue to be put in motion,” said Chancellor Merkel’s office.

In a statement issued by the Kremlin late on Saturday, President Putin welcomed Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s decision to declare a ceasefire and called on “the opposing sides to halt any military activities and sit down at the negotiating table.”

Mr Poroshenko exploited the anniversary to urge his compatriots to stand strong and united.

“It was so during the violent struggle with the nazis and it should be the same now. Facing a real threat, we must unite even more and secure our historical choice, defend our right to live freely on our land,” he said.