The cease-fire in Ukraine showed more signs of strain as rebels questioned further peace talks with the government, even after lawmakers in Kiev approved a special status for the country’s two easternmost regions. Some separatist groups called for a renewed offensive and a rebel leader accused the government of violating the terms of a truce signed Sept. 5. Clashes continued near Donetsk, the largest city in the conflict zone, including near the airport, site of some of the heaviest fighting. The uncertainty about the peace process overshadowed the ratification of Ukraine’s association agreement with the European Union on the same day that lawmakers approved a bill expanding the powers of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The law falls short of Russia’s demands, according to Otilia Dhand, an analyst at Teneo Intelligence in London . “The key point, the right of regions to influence foreign policy decisions, is not included,” […]