New shelling has been reported in the rebel-held east Ukrainian cities of Donetsk and Luhansk, shortly after the peace deal reached in Minsk.

There are no confirmed reports of casualties. Both cities are near the front line where the pro-Russian rebels face government forces.

The ceasefire agreed in the Belarusian capital is to begin in eastern Ukraine after midnight (22:00 GMT) on Saturday.

The EU has warned Russia of new sanctions if the deal is not respected.

Foreign journalists in Donetsk city heard new shelling on Friday morning though they said it sounded less intense than in recent days.

Reports say the city of Luhansk came under bombardment on Thursday evening.

Doubts remain about the deal, which was agreed at talks between Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France.

Leaders from the four countries finalised the truce on Thursday morning after marathon overnight negotiations in Minsk.