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Volodymyr Selenskyj in parliament in Kiev: Longest ceasefire in the war years
Photo:
Ivan Nikolayev / imago images / ITAR-TASS
The ceasefire in eastern Ukraine has been going on for 86 days without any major fighting.
President Volodymyr Selenskyj sees this as a sign of hope that peace could return to his country.
"This is the longest (ceasefire) in the war years," said Zelenskyi in his annual speech to the nation in parliament.
The ceasefire is not ideal and there are violations.
But there has been "only one combat loss" in all those days, the president said.
There is hope that the local people will experience a "real calm".
In 2014, after the overthrow of the government by pro-European forces in Kiev, insurgents in the Russian-speaking areas of Luhansk and Donetsk broke away from Ukraine.
According to UN estimates, more than 13,000 people were killed in fighting between government troops and the Russian-backed rebels.
In July, the parties to the conflict agreed on another ceasefire, which has so far been more stable than previous agreements.
Zelenskyi gave the residents of the separatist-controlled eastern Ukrainian region the prospect of impunity during his almost hour-long appearance.
"You need a clear signal: you don't need to be afraid," said Zelenskyi.
It is about "millions of our citizens".
However, there is no amnesty for people "with blood on their hands".
In contrast, a peace plan agreed with Franco-German mediation in 2015 provides for a general amnesty for all those involved in the conflict.
Local elections are planned for next Sunday in Ukraine, but not in the separatist areas and on the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula.
Up to half a million Ukrainians along the front line for whom parliament had not allowed elections are also excluded.
Around 28 million Ukrainians are eligible to vote.
Ex-boxing world champion Vitali Klitschko is standing for re-election as mayor in the capital Kiev.
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