Weekly update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 08:00 (Moscow time), 10 September 2014
This report is for media and the general public.
KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKY, Russian Federation, 10 September 2014- The Observer Mission (OM) is operating at full capacity. Cross-border traffic flows remained steady at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The clear negative flow (more people exiting the Russian Federation (RF) into Ukraine) continued while the total number of border crossings increased, particularly after the ceasefire agreement entered into force. The OM observed considerable numbers of persons in camouflage clothing entering the RF from Ukraine, especially at Donetsk BCP. In general, people exiting the RF for Ukraine seem to be more relaxed than during previous weeks.
DETAIL
OM’s arrival, establishment and observation work
The OM is operating at full capacity with 19 staff members (including three administrative assistants). Sixteen international observers provide a permanent presence at the two BCPs of Donetsk and Gukovo. With the exception of the Acting Chief Observer, who has yet to be replaced by a to-be-selected Chief Observer, all the observers are scheduled to perform their defined duties until the end of the Observer Mission’s mandate on 23 October 2014.
Cross-border movements common to both BCPs
The profile of the people crossing the border remains unchanged and can be categorised as follows:
- Families on foot or by car with a lot of luggage;
- Elderly people with few bags;
- Adults (usually of younger age) with no luggage or empty cars;
- People wearing military-style clothes with or without backpacks.
During the reporting period, the average number of entries/exits has shown an increase from 6,523 to 9,639 per day for both BCPs. The OM has observed that the majority of people is crossing the border from the RF to Ukraine. The majority of border crossers have been going back into Ukraine with an average net flow of minus 629 per day for both BCPs in the last week and 8,803 people have returned to Ukraine through both BCPs. The statistics also show that Donetsk BCP consistently experiences more traffic than Gukovo BCP. The cross-border movements registered at both BCPs account for 43 percent of all the Rostov Oblast’s entries/exits.
The OM continued to observe a general trend of low cross-border traffic during the night hours. At sunrise the number of travellers slowly increases until late morning. Then, the traffic flow decreases but rises towards the late afternoon and evening. The majority of the vehicles crossing the border have number plates issued in the Luhansk region.
Common observations at the BCPs
The situation at both BCPs remained calm. People crossing the border talk to the Observer Teams (OTs) regularly and continue to describe the situation in the Luhansk region as dire. The OTs continued to receive numerous accounts of severe destruction caused by artillery fire which resulted in the interruption of water, gas and electricity supply, the latter apparently unavailable for more than six weeks in some areas including Luhansk city itself. However, interlocutors also stated that the intensity of fighting and shelling has significantly declined during the reporting period.
Throughout the week, the OTs noticed a steady increase of young people (both men and women) wearing military-style dress crossing the border in both directions but did not observe any weapons among these groups. Most of them were entering the RF from Ukraine at Donetsk BCP. OTs had regular interactions with supporters of the self-proclaimed republics.
In general, the attitude towards OSCE has improved since the conclusion of the ceasefire agreement. Civilian people often stop to discuss with the OTs and to report their testimonies in order to raise the awareness of the situation. People travelling to Ukraine frequently shared their view about the ceasefire. Only few people voiced their hope that the ceasefire would bring enduring peace. Most were sceptical and expressed their low confidence in either party to the conflict, fearing that fighting might resume soon. Many of the ‘returnees’ stated that they had decided to go back to the Luhansk area to check whether their houses had been damaged or destroyed. However, none of the interlocutors reported artillery shelling or shooting since the beginning of the ceasefire.
Military movement
Throughout the week, day and night, the OTs heard the sound of propeller aircrafts in the vicinity of the BCPs. During daylight and when the weather conditions were favourable, the OTs observed the same small grey aircrafts identified as UAVs and a four engine turboprop airplane. At both BCPs the UAVs were following the same flight patterns at intervals varying from 18 to 25 minutes.
Compared to the previous week, helicopter sightings further decreased but they were still observed at both BCPs flying at low altitude along the border.
In either case, within the limitations of observing aircrafts without technical means, OTs assessed that the aircrafts did not violate the Ukrainian airspace in the vicinity of the BCPs.
Observation at the Gukovo BCP
The traffic flow at Gukovo BCP has increased compared to last week, reaching a peak of 4,528 on 7 September. A daily average of 4,524 entries and exits was recorded, which accounted for 17 percent of all entries/exits into the Rostov region. The average number of people entering the Russian Federation has diminished consistently during the reporting period and the net flow continued to be with a daily average of minus 327. This statistic clearly reflects a return movement into Ukraine. In the past week, on average 1,853 people have returned to Ukraine through the Gukovo BCP each day.
The usage of the previously reported firing range nearby Gukovo BCP continued and OTs still heard such range-like shootings after the ceasefire, however with declining intensity. As described earlier, these fire incidents were assessed as not combat related, reportedly originating from a nearby improvised ‘shooting range’ under the control of supporters of the self-proclaimed republics.
Observation at the Donetsk BCP
During the reporting period, the activity at the Donetsk BCP has increased compared to last week. The total number of border crossings at Donetsk BCP consistently exceeded those of Gukovo BCP, reaching a peak of 6,692 persons on 7 September. A daily average of 5,115 entries and exits was recorded, which accounted for one third of all entries/exits into the Rostov region. The number of people entering the Russian Federation has diminished consistently during the reporting period and the net flow was minus 931 on daily average. As is the case at the Gukovo BCP, this statistic clearly reflects a return movement into Ukraine. In the past week, nearly 3,023 persons have returned to Ukraine through the Donetsk BCP each day.
Throughout the week, OTs observed a considerable increase of young people dressed in military style crossing back and forth at the BCP. OTs also observed that some of these people were visibly wounded, crossing back into the RF with white bandages and/or on crutches. OTs also observed transfers of more seriously wounded persons by ambulances. Some people dressed in military style were accompanying the wounded. During the reporting period, OTs have observed 149 persons in military clothing who crossed the border – individually or in groups –predominantly from Ukraine to the RF.
OTs observed a few instances of artillery fire and shootings even after the ceasefire entered into force. However, the total number of such observations has significantly declined.
Russian humanitarian convoy
The OM does not have any confirmation that a second humanitarian convoy will pass through the Donetsk BCP. During the past week, representatives of the ICRC continued to visit Donetsk BCP and to meet Russian and Ukrainian border guards and customs officers. Representatives of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations also participated in the meetings. To this day, Ukrainian border guards and customs officers are still staying next to the Donetsk BCP.
Press and media
Despite the repeated efforts of the Acting Chief Observer to convey the message that the OM’s mandate is limited to only two BCPs (Donetsk and Gukovo), the media continued to regularly attribute OM’s statements erroneously to the entire Russian-Ukrainian border, especially in the headlines of news articles. The Observer Mission will continue to work with the OSCE Communication and Media Relations Section to try to make sure that inaccuracies are corrected and that objective and impartial information continues to flow to the OSCE participating States and the public.