Weekly update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 10:00 (Moscow time), on 31 December 2014)
SUMMARY
Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Russian Federation (RF). The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). Overall cross-border traffic flows increased significantly at both BCPs due to the upcoming New Year. The OM continued to observe a significant number of persons in military-style clothing crossing the border in both directions. Train movements at the Gukovo BCP have decreased in frequency.
DETAIL
OM’s arrival, establishment and observation work
The OM is currently operating with 17 staff members, consisting of 12 permanent international observers (incl. the Chief Observer), four temporary international observers and one administrative assistant. Four international observers are currently on leave.
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, some of them with backpacks.
The average number of entries/exits increased noticeably from 7,112 to 8,842 per day for both BCPs during the reporting period. More people entered Ukraine than the RF. The average net flow (i.e. the balance of entries and exits) was minus 894 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience more traffic than the Gukovo BCP. The cross-border movements registered at both BCPs accounted for 36.5 percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The majority of the vehicles crossing the border have number plates issued in the Luhansk region, including the long-distance coaches commuting between Luhansk and cities in the RF.
Common observations at the BCPs
The situation at both BCPs remained calm. The OM continued to observe that the RF border guard and customs service conducted checks and controls.
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between the Luhansk region and cities in the RF.
During the reporting period, the Observer Teams (OTs) observed 833 men and women in military-style dress crossing the border in both directions, predominantly into the RF. This is the biggest number observed by the OTs since the OM establishment and could be attributed to the upcoming new year celebrations (a traditional family holiday in both RF and Ukraine). These people have been crossing individually or in groups. These border crossings occurred predominantly at the Donetsk BCP in both directions. The OTs continued to observe several Cossacks, who were identified by their traditional fur hats, as well as by Cossack insignias. OTs also observed two ambulances crossing the border at the Donetsk BCP – one ambulance crossed the border from Ukraine to RF in the morning and returned to Ukraine later in the evening on the same day, on another occasion an ambulance crossed the border from Ukraine to Russia.
The OTs continued to observe an increased number of cars with “DPR/LPR” stickers on their licence plates replacing the Ukrainian flag. In addition, the OTs observed “DPR/LPR” flags displayed on car dashboards.
Military movement
At the two BCPs the OM did not observe military movement, apart from vehicles of the RF border guard service.
Observation at the Gukovo BCP
The traffic flows at the Gukovo BCP increased compared to last week. A daily average of 3,084 entries and exits was recorded, which accounted for approximately thirteen percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. Compared to last week more people exited the RF than entered. The net flow went from minus 38 to minus 188 (i.e. more exits from the RF) on average per day.
During the week, the OM observed a total of 67 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at the Gukovo BCP, 21 of them left for Ukraine while 46 entered the RF.
The OM continued to observe high numbers of dumper trucks transporting coal from the Luhansk region to the RF, making usually 2-3 loads per day. As reported previously, the observers saw RF customs officers verifying that the trucks were empty while leaving the RF.
The Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), identified as BTR-90, previously installed at the BCP as a routine BCP reinforcement in anticipation of the holiday season, remained there with the exception of two short breaks for re-fuelling.
The OTs picked up on the sound of a train passing by the BCP on three occasions during the reporting week; in one case OTs were able to visually observe the train. Observations are, however, impaired by the trees that are between the BCP and the train tracks and the weather conditions (heavy snow). In two cases the OTs were able to estimate the direction of the trains as going to Ukraine, on one occasion it was difficult to tell the direction because of strong wind. At least on one occasion the OTs were able to recognize the noise of cargo wagons.
Observation at the Donetsk BCP
During the reporting period, the activity at the Donetsk BCP increased. The daily average of 5,758 entries and exits accounted for approximately twenty four percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The net flow changed from minus 230 (i.e. exits from the RF) to minus 706 (i.e. exits from the RF) on average per day.
The OT observed 766 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at the Donetsk BCP individually and in groups, 445 persons entered the RF while 321 left for Ukraine. As mentioned earlier, this is the highest recorded number of crossings for that category of people since the OM arrived at the BCP. There are more and more people crossing the Donetsk BCP with the Saint George Ribbon.