You're reading: EUobserver: Ukraine gives rebels ‘special status’, ratifies EU treaty

BRUSSELS - Ukraine has granted semi-autonomy and amnesty to pro-Russia rebels, the same day as ratifying a strategic EU treaty. Its parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed the rebel laws in a closed session on Sept. 16 by 277 and 287 votes out of 450, respectively, a pro-Western MP, Andriy Shevchenko, said on Twitter.

Read the story here.