Draft legislation on reintegration of occupied Donbas based on terms included in Minsk agreements

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said work on a draft law on reintegrating Donbas, which will include a number of measures for the return of occupied Ukrainian territories, is in progress, according to the president's website.

"A bill initiated by me was drafted, titled "On reintegration of occupied territories of Donbas of Ukraine." The legislative act encompasses a broad array of measures and steps required for reintegration, for the establishment of a legal regime," the presidential website quoted Poroshenko as saying.

The president said the key position is the reintegration of these territories. Experts and parliament members are involved in drafting the document. In addition, it is based on conditions included in the Minsk agreements, he said.

In addition, Poroshenko stressed the importance of ensuring Ukrainian soldiers have the right to act adequately in conditions of continued Russian aggression against Ukraine.

"If we change the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) construct and do not give Ukraine's military rights to adequately operate when faced by aggression, we will leave Ukraine defenseless," the head of state said.

Poroshenko said that together with work on drafting the law, political and diplomatic efforts, which have already yielded results, would continue. For Ukrainians, the doors of Europe have opened – recognition of the effectiveness of Ukrainian reforms on all fronts, Poroshenko said.

"The president also said it's necessary to continue sanctions against the aggressor country [Russia]," the website said.