Ukraine and some of its Western allies condemned a decision by pro-Russian separatists to ban most foreign aid organisations from parts of rebel-held territory, saying the move violated the Minsk peace agreement.

Rebel officials of the so-called Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) said they had refused accreditation to 10 out of 11 foreign humanitarian agencies, ordering them to leave LNR territory.

They said the reasons for the decision were "justified" without giving further details, separatist website LITs reported.

"Ukraine expresses its deep concern, as banning the work of international organisations primarily affects civilians," presidential representative Iryna Herashchenko said.

"This is an attempt to disrupt the Minsk (peace) process."

Under the 12-point peace plan signed in Minsk, Belarus, in February, both sides committed to ensuring safe access and distribution of humanitarian aid "on the basis of an international mechanism".