Ukraine grants self-rule to Donetsk, Luhansk

Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko

The separatist-held regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine are granted temporary self-rule for three years in a new law adopted by Parliament.

Both parties in the conflict will be granted amnesty, except for those who have committed “serious crimes,” according to the law adopted to further peace in the region.

The special status law granting greater autonomy to Donetsk and Luhansk also allows for elections but stipulates that the separatists must renounce their bid for independence.