- The decentralization reform proposed by Poroshenko’s administration has its merits and drawbacks.
- The main controversy is the special law for Donbas counties’ governance provided for in the Constitution.
- The law in question has controversial provisions like amnesty and “local militias” but will not come into effect before Ukrainian border control is restored, Russian troops pull out and elections under Ukrainian law take place. It is currently to remain in force for two more years
- The administration claims the reform is in line with Maidan demands and Minsk agreement
- The opposition believes the “special status law” amounts to capitulation before the Kremlin under international pressure
