The Ukrainian parliament has adopted a law giving limited self-rule to the east of the country, large parts of which are under separatist control.
The move is part of the ceasefire agreement signed earlier this month by President Peter Poroschenko.
Rebel fighters have been granted amnesty under the new measures, which will also require the separatists to leave occupied government buildings and hand over prisoners and weapons.
Meanwhile Ukraine’s parliament and the European Union have ratified a key EU association pact.
The EU-Ukraine association agreement would make Ukraine compliant with EU standards in human rights, security and arms control, and would remove trade barriers. Russia opposes the trade provisions of the pact, arguing its market could be flooded with cheap EU goods.