Central Europe

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Between the evenings of 30 December 2021 and 3 January 2022, the SMM recorded 399 ceasefire violations, including 25 explosions, in Donetsk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded ten ceasefire violations in the region.
• Between the evenings of 30 December 2021 and 3 January 2022, the Mission recorded 44 ceasefire violations, including 23 explosions, in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded four ceasefire violations in the region.
• Members of the armed formations denied and delayed the Mission’s passage near Zolote, Molodizhne and Stanytsia Luhanska, Luhansk region.*
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at five entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission visited three border crossing points outside government control in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in Staromykhailivka, Donetsk region, and at a border crossing point outside government control near Izvaryne, Luhansk region. Its unmanned aerial vehicles encountered instances of GPS signal interference assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 31 December, the armed formations in Luhansk region twice denied the Mission’s passage to government-controlled areas from non-government-controlled areas.

The first denial occurred at 09:10 at the checkpoint of the armed formations near the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote. The second occurred at 11:05 at a checkpoint of the armed formations on road T-0504 about 1.5km south-west of Molodizhne. Members of the armed formations cited “the SMM’s safety” on both occasions.

In both instances, the SMM had preannounced its passage as a temporary, COVID-19 related courtesy.

For recent freedom of movement restrictions faced by the Mission, see previous SMM Spot Reports.

The Mission again notes that such denials not only restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, but also prevent the SMM’s logistical operations, which are essential for the effective functioning of the Mission.

The OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded ten ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 11 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded four ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and one corresponding checkpoint of the armed formations.
• The Mission observed a gathering in Kyiv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at two checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded eleven ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded seven ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded no ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 84 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and two corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in Luhansk region.*

509510 Economic and Environmental Forum, OCEEA, OSCE Secretariat

The OSCE has announced the winners of the 13th edition of the basin-wide creativity contest "Colours of the Dniester". This competition helps raise children and youth’s awareness of environmental protection and water management, particularly in the Dniester River basin, in Moldova (including Transdniestria) and Ukraine.

Held under the motto "Save Biodiversity – Preserve Nature’s Palette!” the entries submitted this year focused on preserving not only aquatic biodiversity, but also the entire ecosystem diversity. The narratives and paintings prepared by participants reflected the aesthetic beauty and diversity of nature of the Dniester River basin, and touched upon the issues of invasive species, loss of habitat and littering.

Almost 700 entries were received from both Ukraine and Moldova (including Transdniestria) between 26 April and 7 October 2021. Overall, 73% of the contestants were female. The winners of the 2021 competition were selected by a jury from both countries and banks of the Dniester River for the following categories:

• Drawing/Painting
• Photography
• Video film, slide show
• Activity on rehabilitation of water resources
• Essay, short story, poem, popular science article

You can view the full list of winners and their artwork here.

Competition participants continue to inspire, year after year, in their creativity and interest for the Dniester River. The "Colours of the Dniester" competition helps further foster environmental awareness and contribute to Moldovan-Ukrainian co-operation for the preservation and sustainable management of the Dniester River.

In 2021, the competition was carried out with the financial support of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) through the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) and with the support of the State Water Resources Agency of Ukraine.

VIENNA, 29 December 2021 — Following a request from the Russian side, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting, met today in Vienna with the Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, Dmitri Kozak, as well as with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Andrey Rudenko. Mr. Mayr-Harting was joined by Ambassador Tobias Lorentzson, Deputy Head of the Swedish Mission to the OSCE and Ms. Beata Baranska, First Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Poland to the OSCE, representing the current and incoming OSCE Chairs respectively.

In the course of the exchange, Ambassador Mayr-Harting expressed his satisfaction that the 57 Participating States of the OSCE had once again been able to agree, on the occasion of the 28th Ministerial Council of the OSCE in Stockholm, a Ministerial Statement reiterating their strong resolve to attain a comprehensive, peaceful and sustainable settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders with a special status for Transdniestria that fully guarantees the human, political, economic and social rights of its population; and that this statement had also confirmed the role of the “5+2” format as the only mechanism to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable settlement.

Ambassador Mayr-Harting welcomed the interaction achieved in 2021 between the Sides in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and also positively noted the increasing number of meetings and Working Groups between the Sides during this year. At the same time, he regretted that it had not been possible to convene a meeting of the Permanent Conference either in 2020 or 2021 and welcomed the commitment of all concerned to hold a result-oriented meeting in this format as soon as possible.

Regarding forthcoming work in the settlement process, he expressed the opinion that continued efforts towards the implementation of existing agreements remained of priority importance. He also underlined that the Mediators and Observers should continue to encourage the Sides to develop joint proposals on further confidence-building measures, based on the progress achieved in the implementation of the “Berlin-plus package”. In this context, the Special Representative emphasised the need for intensified efforts regarding the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in view of continuing serious concerns about the situation on the ground.

WARSAW, 29 December 2021 – Following two Russian court decisions this week to close both the International Memorial Society and its sister organization Human Rights Center Memorial, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed profound concern and called on the Russian authorities to ensure a safe and enabling space for civil society.

“These decisions represent a severe setback for organizations committed to raising awareness and advancing human rights in the Russian Federation,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci.

Yesterday, the Russian Federation’s Supreme Court ruled the closure of the International Memorial Society and of all of its regional offices and other branches​. By verdict of the Moscow City Court today, Human Rights Center Memorial will also be closed. The courts ruled that Memorial must be dissolved in its entirety for failing to mark all its publications, including social media posts, with their status as a ‘foreign agent’.

Both rulings are based on the so-called ‘foreign agents law’, which requires all NGOs, media outlets, informal movements and individuals that have received any foreign funding and are engaged in too vaguely termed ‘political activity’ to be listed as a ‘foreign agent’. The law has already resulted in numerous civil society organizations being fined, stigmatized, deprived of funding, and closed. This legislation has been criticized by human rights organizations for violating the right to freedom of association, hindering the work of human rights organizations and defenders, and narrowing the space for freedom of the association in Russia.

All countries of the OSCE have explicitly recognized the importance of freedom of association for democracies, and committed to ensuring that everyone has access to this right, which includes the ability to form, join and participate in non-governmental organizations that are active in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“Monitoring OSCE countries for their respect for freedom of association and protection of civil space, and supporting them in ensuring they are in line with these commitments, is core to ODIHR’s mandate,” Mr Mecacci added. “We stand ready to provide our assistance to the Russian Federation to review and improve restrictive legislation on NGOs, as States should not silence criticism by citizens’ organizations, but should rather engage with them.”

ODIHR emphasizes the positive role played by human rights organizations and highlights the overriding importance of allowing them to work in a free and safe environment. In accordance with international human rights standards, the ‘foreign agents’ legislation should be reviewed, allowing human rights organizations such as International Memorial and Human Rights Center Memorial to operate in line with their right to freedom of expression and association.

ODIHR will continue to follow the developments in this case, and once again offers to provide expertise and tools to help strengthen human rights and democratic institutions in the Russian Federation, for the benefit of all.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded seven ceasefire violations. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 525 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 84 ceasefire violations, including 45 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 22 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It spotted people inside the areas near Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and two corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations.
• The Mission visited a border crossing point outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The SMM monitored the security situation in east and south-east Kherson region.
• The Mission observed a gathering in Kyiv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in Donetsk region.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Between the evenings of 23 and 27 December, the SMM recorded 689 ceasefire violations, including 110 explosions, in Donetsk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 173 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Between the evenings of 23 and 27 December, the Mission recorded 108 ceasefire violations, including 30 explosions, in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 84 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of damage to a civilian property Zolote-5/Mykhailivka, Luhansk region.
• Members of the armed formations denied and delayed the Mission’s passage near Zolote, Molodizhne and Stanytsia Luhanska, Luhansk region and near Horlivka, Donetsk region.*
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It observed people inside the area near Zolote.
• The Mission facilitated the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission visited three border crossing points and a railway station outside government control in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and monitored areas near the border outside government control in Luhansk region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of an attack on the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Lviv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a border crossing point and a railway station outside government control in Luhansk region. Its UAVs encountered multiple instances of GPS signal interference assessed as caused by jamming and probable jamming.*

VIENNA/WARSAW, 1 January 2022 – Poland takes over the OSCE Chair today and will focus on making progress towards a peaceful resolution of conflicts in the OSCE area, in line with OSCE principles and commitments.

“It is an honour and a privilege to assume the Chairmanship of the OSCE for 2022. Our goal will be to continue efforts to rebuild confidence and trust, as well as to act as an honest broker and mediator between participating States,” said Zbigniew Rau, Poland’s Foreign Minister and the new OSCE Chairman-in-Office.

“Poland will focus on supporting the OSCE’s conflict resolution formats and processes, and special attention will be given to promoting comprehensive assistance to conflict-affected populations,” said Minister Rau. He emphasized that Poland’s efforts will be guided by a human-centred perspective.

“It will be crucial for us to safeguard the fundamental OSCE principles and commitments enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act and subsequent documents,” stressed the new Chairman-in-Office. “A genuine dialogue among participating States must be based on international law principles and a strong commitment to already existing OSCE mechanisms,” indicated Minister Rau.

The Chair highlighted that conflicting interests require joint efforts to advance solutions. Thorough discussion deserves thorough attention, and the Polish Chairmanship will ensure that all voices are heard and all advice taken into account.

The Chairmanship will also focus on economic co-operation, which is essential in the pursuit of peace and security. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability and fragility of states’ economies and responding to this challenge through effective multilateralism will be one of Poland’s priorities. Minister Rau emphasized: “Our Organization is a joint effort and a collective exercise. Mobilizing the good will of the participating States is essential for the success of the exceptional endeavour that is the OSCE.”

Minister Rau will officially inaugurate the Chairmanship and outline Poland’s priorities at the session of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on 13 January 2022.

Follow the Polish Chairmanship on Twitter:
@RauZbigniew
@AdamHalacinski
@PLinOSCE
#OSCE2022POL

On 28 December 2021, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) co-hosted an award ceremony recognizing the winners of the Open Data Challenge 2021 hackathon, an IT contest to develop digital solutions based on open data. The ceremony and the hackathon were organized by the PCUz in collaboration with the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics (UZSTAT), the Technological Park of Software Products and Information Technologies (IT-Park Uzbekistan) and other national partners.

More than 50 participants, including 11 women, representing the winning teams and the organizers took part in the event, held in the premises of UZSTAT. The best three projects were awarded in the following four categories: Public, Social, Business, Anti-Corruption. As part of the ceremony, participants were also provided with a platform to share their feedback on the hackathons and other initiatives taken to promote the development of open data.

When recognizing the winners, Murod Khusanov, PCUz National Project Officer, mentioned the activities of the OSCE in supporting the development of open data ecosystem as an environment where openness and transparency of public institutions create economic opportunities. “We support initiatives to strengthen the capacities of government agencies and ensure transparency of their actions. At the same time, we support the communities of data users through trainings, workshops and hackathons on open data”.

Since 2018, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan has been organizing open data hackathons to demonstrate the practical relevance of open data, encourage its wider use and promote its further development.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On the morning of 27 December, the armed formations in Luhansk region twice denied and once delayed the Mission passage to government-controlled areas. The SMM patrols were travelling from non-government-controlled areas.

The first denial occurred at 09:15 at the checkpoint of the armed formations near the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote. The second occurred at 11:30 at a checkpoint of the armed formations on road T-0504 about 1.5km south-west of Molodizhne. Members of the armed formations cited “the SMM’s safety” on the first occasion and “orders from their superiors” on the second.

At 09:44, the passage of another SMM patrol travelling through the checkpoint of the armed formations south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge was delayed for two hours and 12 minutes. Members of the armed formations cited the “need to wait for authorization from superiors”.

In all instances, the SMM had preannounced its passage as a temporary, COVID-19 related courtesy.

For recent restrictions faced by the Mission when crossing the contact line, see previous SMM Spot Reports.

The Mission again notes that such denials and delay not only restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, but also prevent the SMM’s logistical operations, which are essential for the effective functioning of the Mission.

The OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.

509327

About twenty police officers, prosecutors, and representatives of the National Security Service and Investigative Committee of Armenia attended a training course on open-source IT forensics and network investigations held from 20 to 24 December 2021 at the Academy of Justice in Yerevan. The OSCE and the Council of Europe jointly organized the event, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

The training focused on two main fields of cybercrime investigations: open-source intelligence and digital forensics. Three international cybercrime experts equipped the participants with skills, tools and knowledge to successfully investigate different types of cybercrimes aiming at improving their capacities to plan search and seizure digital evidence by using live data forensics tools.

Robert Adilkhanyan,  Head of the Department of Investigation of Cybercrime and High Technology Crime at the Investigative Committee of Armenia attended the training course with his team of investigators and commended the OSCE for their practical activities in the area of cybercrime.

“As a result of this training, the investigators, the police and prosecutors had the opportunity to develop an understanding of the peculiarities of the use of open source intelligence in investigations. The trainers presented different tools, which will be very useful for the daily work of the competent officials. The training was of very high quality, and the number of attendees and their active participation throughout the five days of training certifies this,”” he said.

In particular, the investigators explored and studied network fundamentals, such as TCP/IP and open-source investigation models, and acquired skills to install, run and use virtual machines and commonly used forensic tools like Photorec, Autopsy, Wireshark, and Maltego, among others.

The training was part of the OSCE Extra-Budgetary project “Capacity Building on Combating and Preventing Cybercrime in Armenia” implemented by the Strategic Police Matters Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department. The objective of the project is to strengthen the capacities of the Republic of Armenia to address cybercrime by enhancing the responsiveness of the criminal justice system and of prevention. The project is financially supported by Germany. 

509318 Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina published the report “School names, symbols and manifestations at primary and secondary schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A status update with recommendations” on 27 December 2021.  

This report assesses the recent backsliding and reemphasizes the need to address exclusionary practices concerning school names, symbols and manifestations, based on the Mission’s years of regular monitoring of more than 2,000 central and branch schools located throughout the country.

“Schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina are public spaces that must be welcoming to all children and should never be used for political purposes”, said Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Likewise, school names, symbols and manifestations should not be used to create divisions or suggest the exclusion of some students. Quality education requires an inclusive atmosphere that respects the rights and backgrounds of all children," she added.

The report contains a set of recommendations for different levels of authorities, key decision makers and school managements for decisive actions that will help ensure that school environments are appropriate and welcoming for all students.

In line with its mandate, the Mission will continue to support education authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in developing inclusive and quality education, as well as in promoting non-discrimination, respect for diversity, mutual understanding and collaboration.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

In the afternoon of 26 December, the armed formations in Donetsk region denied the Mission’s passage to government-controlled areas. The SMM patrol was travelling from non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.

The denial occurred at 11:23 at a checkpoint of the armed formations on the north-western outskirts of Horlivka. A visibly armed member of the armed formations cited a “lack of prior notification”.

The SMM had preannounced its passage as a temporary, COVID-19 related courtesy.

For recent restrictions faced by the Mission when crossing the contact line, see previous SMM Spot Reports.

The Mission again notes that such denials not only restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, but also prevent the SMM’s logistical operations, which are essential for the effective functioning of the Mission.

The OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On the morning of 25 December, the armed formations in Luhansk region denied and delayed the Mission’s passage to non-government-controlled areas. The SMM patrols were travelling from government-controlled areas.

The denial occurred at 09:55 about 350m north of the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote. Members of the armed formations cited “the SMM’s safety”.

At 10:02, the passage of another SMM patrol travelling through the checkpoint of the armed formations south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge was delayed for two hours and 16 minutes. Members of the armed formations cited a “lack of prior notification”.

Additionally, earlier in the morning, at 09:07, at a checkpoint near the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote, members of the armed formations denied another SMM patrol passage inside the disengagement area citing “the SMM’s safety”. The patrol was to assist the SMM patrol crossing to non-government-controlled areas mentioned above.

In all instances, the SMM had preannounced its passage as a temporary, COVID-19 related courtesy.

For recent restrictions faced by the Mission when crossing the contact line, see previous SMM Spot Reports.

The Mission again notes that such denials and delay not only restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, but also prevent the SMM’s logistical operations, which are essential for the effective functioning of the Mission.

The OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 173 ceasefire violations, including 156 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 50 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 84 ceasefire violations, including 45 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• Members of the armed formations denied and delayed the SMM passage’s near Zolote, Molodizhne and Stanytsia Luhanska, Luhansk region.*
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and five corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission visited two border crossing points outside government control in Luhansk region.
• The SMM observed convoys of trucks with Russian Federation licence plates in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at four checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region. Its UAVs encountered instances of GPS signal interference assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 50 ceasefire violations, including three explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 564 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded no ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 49 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge. Its UAVs encountered instances of GPS signal interference assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On the morning of 23 December, the armed formations in Luhansk region twice denied and once delayed the Mission passage to government-controlled areas. The SMM patrols were travelling from non-government-controlled areas.

The first denial occurred at 09:04 at the checkpoint of the armed formations near the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote. The second occurred at 10:50 at a checkpoint of the armed formations on road T-0504 about 1.5km south-west of Molodizhne. Members of the armed formations cited “the SMM’s safety” on the first occasion and “orders from their superiors” on the second.

At 09:47, the passage of another SMM patrol travelling through the checkpoint of the armed formations south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge was delayed for about 35 minutes. Members of the armed formations cited a “lack of prior notification”.

In all instances, the SMM had preannounced its passage as a temporary, COVID-19 related courtesy.

For recent restrictions faced by the Mission when crossing the contact line, see previous SMM Spot Reports.

The Mission again notes that such denials and delay not only restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, but also prevent the SMM’s logistical operations, which are essential for the effective functioning of the Mission.

The OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.

STOCKHOLM, 23 December 2021 — The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde, welcomed the strong determination to fully adhere to the Measures to Strengthen the Ceasefire agreement of 22 July 2020 expressed at yesterday’s meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group.

“This represents a small but important first step towards de-escalation along the contact line. After nearly eight years of conflict, it is high time to ease the plight of civilians in eastern Ukraine who deserve to live without fear of shelling,” Linde said.

“In light of recent developments, it is also all the more critical that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine – the eyes and ears of the OSCE and the international community on the ground – is allowed to carry out its impartial and fact-based monitoring and reporting on the security situation without restrictions,” she added.