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Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov emphasizes that the draft law on special aspects of state policy to ensure Ukraine's state sovereignty in temporarily occupied areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions (the so-called Donbas reintegration bill) expands capabilities for the use of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression, according to the NSDC's press service.
"By expanding capabilities for the use of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations, it [the bill] strengthens our positions in repelling the armed aggression of the Russian Federation and restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine," Turchynov said.
The draft law was backed by 280 Members of Parliament despite a row in Russia and the fierce resistance of provocateurs working against Ukraine, he said.
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He added that in this draft law, the Russian Federation "is clearly and unequivocally designated as an aggressor state, and areas in certain regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions as occupied."
"This completely prevents attempts by the Russian Federation to disguise the war against Ukraine under a 'peacekeeping operation' and significantly strengthens our country's position in international courts," the NSDC chief said.
"[I would like to] thank all the patriots of Ukraine who have ensured the adoption of this important law for the country," he added.
The No. 7163 bill on Donbas reintegration was adopted in second reading on January 18, 2018. The parliament started to consider it on January 16, 2018. Lawmakers reviewed 673 amendments to the document.
The bill passed its first reading on October 6, 2017.