Asian stock indices closed higher, following gains on U.S. markets as geopolitical tensions eased and due to yesterday's better-than-expected U.S. housing data.

Foreign ministers from Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and France met in Berlin over the weekend. Investors have seen signs of progress in the talks to bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The Red Cross is close to working out details of a safe-passage plan for a Russian humanitarian convoy.

The NAHB housing market index climbed to 55.0 in August from 53.0 in July. Analysts had expected the index to remain unchanged at 53.0.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,449.79 +127.19 +0.83%

Hang Seng 25,122.95 +167.49 +0.67%

Shanghai Composite 2,245.33 +5.86 +0.26%