The European Union has paid attention to Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement announcing the Russian forces' withdrawn from Ukrainian borders, said Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.

The European Union has long been insisting on Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian borders, and respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity is what really matters; in this context, the withdrawal of troops from the border zone can be regarded as progress, Kocijancic said.

She added it was also necessary to withdraw Russian forces, equipment and armaments from Ukrainian territory.

Kocijancic reminded reporters that Ukraine was an item on the agenda of the October 20 meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

The EU foreign ministers will converge on Monday to discuss the situation on the ground and a possible response of Europe, the spokesperson said, answering a question on how the withdrawal of troops from the border might influence the EU sanctions on Russia.

Moscow has repeatedly refuted reports alleging the involvement of Russian troops in the conflict in south-eastern Ukraine.