Washington, Sep 17 (IANS) The US Tuesday congratulated the people of Ukraine on the ratification of the country's Association Agreement with the European Union(EU).

"By forging ahead with this agreement in the face of great challenges, Ukraine's leaders have carried out the will of the Ukrainian people," US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said in a statement.

The European parliament and the Ukrainian parliament Tuesday simultaneously ratified the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which paves the way for the establishment of a free-trade area between the two sides, Xinhua reported.

The US also hailed the Ukrainian parliament's passage of the laws on amnesty and special status for select regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, said Harf, adding that the laws highlight Kiev's commitment to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine peacefully.

The spokesperson said the US called on Russia and separatists in eastern Ukraine to begin immediate and full implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed in Minsk.

The Ukrainian government and separatist leaders inked a ceasefire agreement earlier this month in Minsk, capital of Belarus. The deal was expected to pave the way for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.