Poroshenko's new law will not make Ukrainian rebels surrender, officials say
Ukrainian rebels have reportedly said they do not intend on developing a political relationship with the government after the parliament passed a law on Tuesday that will grant “special status” to regions in the eastern part of the country.
The new law means the rebel-held regions of Donetsk and Luhansk will enjoy a greater degree of authority over the next three years. Ukrainian MPs have condemned the law as “capitulation”.
Andrei Purgin, a senior Ukrainian rebel leader, told the BBC on Wednesday the rule would not make the rebels give up fighting for independence.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Tuesday: “Ukraine crucially needs peace and I am personally responsible for the implementation of the Peace plan. Anyone who wants war is not my like-minded person.
“Those who live in Donetsk and Luhansk regions must have an opportunity to elect their new government. We must find reconciliation with this government and bring peace and harmony to the state. It is my path.
“Today, we have made it more possible that people in the east will stop dying. It is the main thing.”
Meanwhile, two people were reportedly killed on Wednesday in Donetsk.
Also on Tuesday, the parliament ratified an agreement to strengthen political and economic ties with the European Union (EU) but delayed a free trade agreement until the end of 2015.
Poroshenko described the moment as “historic” for his country, which has pushed the deal with the EU through despite strong opposition from Russia.
Moscow warned Ukraine of the economic risks the agreement could bring, claiming the deal could trigger an uncontrolled flow of duty-free goods from Western Europe, which would then force Russia to protect its internal market.