Ukrainian legislators on Tuesday passed a law granting broader autonomy to the Donetsk and Luhansk eastern regions, with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko declaring the move protects the “sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence” of Ukraine while advancing decentralization.

The new bill, initially proposed by Poroshenko, grants greater self-rule to the two regions for a three year period, which includes local elections and policing and use of the Russian language in schools. The bill also stipulates a limited commitment to provide aid to some damaged areas.

A separate amnesty bill, also passed by Ukraine’s parliament, will shield “participants of events in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions” from criminal prosecution—a protection that applies to rebel fighters and Ukrainian soldiers, according to an analysis by AFP. Combatants from both sides stand accused of human rights abuses and war crimes.