News and press releases

KYIV, 27 January 2017 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Martin Sajdik today made the following statement to the press following recent civilian deaths in eastern Ukraine...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk region compared with the previous reporting period. The Mission observed damage from shelling to homes in Zaichenko and Dokuchaievsk. It continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* The SMM monitored weapons withdrawal and observed a convoy of armoured combat vehicles near Kadiivka. The Mission noted long queues at entry-exit checkpoints near Stanytsia Luhanska and Marinka. It observed the blockade of a railway near government-controlled Hirske. It observed a public gathering in front of the Kyiv City Court of Appeals. The SMM spoke with government officials in Vinnytsia and Kovel about post-traumatic stress disorder among Ukrainian Armed Forces veterans...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region overall but fewer explosions, compared with the previous reporting period. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations. It observed a civilian casualty in Dovhe and impact sites in Stanytsia Luhanska. The Mission continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* The SMM continued to monitor weapons withdrawal and observed weapons in violation of respective withdrawal lines. The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire for repairs to essential infrastructure...

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region compared with the previous reporting period. The SMM observed a civilian casualty in Holubivka, and impact sites and damage to civilian houses in Irmino, Popasna, and Stanytsia Luhanska. The SMM continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* For the first time in a year, the SMM could proceed north of road M03 between Debaltseve and Svitlodarsk. Video footage from the SMM camera in Stanytsia Luhanska revealed ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area on 22 January. Along the administrative boundary line in the areas around Chonhar and Arabat Spit the SMM observed a calm situation. In Kherson the SMM also observed improved accommodation arrangements for IDPs...

KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKIY, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons decreased at both BCPs...

LONDON, 25 January 2017 – Wrapping up a two-day visit to London, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Christine Muttonen (MP, Austria) today emphasized the need for reinforcing European, Eurasian and transatlantic ties by utilizing all the tools offered by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, including its Parliamentary Assembly...

In both Donetsk and Luhansk regions the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations between the evenings of 22 and 23 January compared with the previous 24 hours. The Mission observed an impact site and damage to civilian houses from gunfire in Dovhe. The SMM continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* Video footage from the SMM camera in Stanytsia Luhanska revealed ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area on 21 and 22 January. The Mission continued to monitor weapons withdrawal and observed weapons in violation of their respective withdrawal lines. It observed reinforcement of positions on both sides of the contact line near Dolomitne and noted civilian concerns about the effects of fighting in the area. The SMM facilitated and monitored repairs to infrastructure in Artema, Krasnyi Lyman and Popasna. It visited three border areas currently outside of government control. In various cities, the Mission monitored gatherings marking Ukrainian Unity Day...