DOCUMENT. The Draft Law on the Reintegration of Donbass: Russia for the First Time Was Named the Occupier

In the text of the draft law on the reintegration of the separate regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, these territories are recognized as occupied by Russia, the activities of any authorities and decisions taken by them are null and void. The draft law provides that, if necessary, martial law may be imposed in the occupied territories.

Territory In Donetsk and Lugansk regions, within the boundaries of which formations of the armed forces of the Russian Federation and illegal formations were created with the participation of the Russian Federation and administered by it, as well as the occupation administration of the Russian Federation establish and exercise their power is recognized temporarily occupied territory.

A special legal regime of crossing borders, implementing and securing human rights and freedoms is established in the occupied territories.

Any authorities in this territory, their activities and decisions taken are illegal, if they are not provided by the Constitution and laws of Ukraine.

For all individuals and legal entities, regardless of whether they are IDPs or not, the ownership of the property belonging to them in the occupied territories remains.

The articles of the law, which relate to the state policy with regard to the temporarily occupied territories, presuppose the restoration of the state sovereignty of Ukraine in these territories, their liberation and the restoration of the constitutional order within their borders, as well as the protection of the rights and freedoms of Ukrainian citizens affected by Russian aggression.

The draft states that the President of Ukraine can decide on the use of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other legitimate military formations to deter and repel Russian aggression, restore Ukraine's territorial integrity, and protect the border.

If necessary, a decision to introduce martial law can be made.

It should be reminded, that earlier it was reported that this bill will be submitted to the Parliament in September 2017 after agreement with Ukraine's strategic partners.

Deputy Minister for Occupied Territories George Tuka stressed that the adoption of the law on the de-occupation of Donbass will not lead to the AFU attack and that everything will be resolved peacefully.

It was planned that the law would be considered at the meeting of the National Security and Defense Council on July 10, but so far this discussion has been postponed.