KIEV, Ukraine
The breakaway pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk on Wednesday pledged to give up their self-proclaimed independence in return for greater autonomy within Ukraine.
In a joint statement, the negotiators for both eastern entities called for Ukraine to make constitutional changes that would give them special status.
Denis Pushilin, the representative of Donetsk, and Luhansk’s negotiator Vladislav Deynego also called for a militarily non-aligned Ukraine and for the Russian language to be given official status. The formation of local police forces and a special economic system were among other demands.
“We have once again sent our written legislative proposals,” Pushilin said, according to Donetsk News Agency. “If Ukraine accepts these amendments into its constitution, then both the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics will make the according changes in their constitutions.”
Kiev has vowed to retake the two regions and has backed a move towards NATO membership.
Rebels in the regions have been fighting Ukrainian troops for more than a year, resulting in at least 6,000 deaths, according to the UN.
A cease-fire was signed in February, which included the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from combat areas and the release of prisoners. Both sides have accused the other of violating the agreement.
