OSCE SMM Spot Report 34/2021: Armed formations denied the SMM passage near Zolote and Molodizhne, Luhansk region

On the morning of 3 December, the armed formations in Luhansk region denied the SMM passage to government-controlled areas twice and once significantly delayed its passage. SMM patrols were travelling from non-government-controlled areas.

The first denial occurred at 09:07 at the checkpoint of the armed formations near the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote (government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk). The second occurred at 11:02 at a checkpoint of the armed formations on road T-0504 about 1.5km south-west of Molodizhne (non-government-controlled, 63km north-west of Luhansk). On the first occasion members of the armed formations cited “the SMM’s safety”, and on the second - “orders from superiors”.

The passage of another SMM patrol travelling through the checkpoint of the armed formations south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk) was delayed due to an armed formations’ request to comply with an inspection of luggage. The Mission refused the request and was allowed to pass only after two hours of waiting.

For recent restrictions faced by the SMM when crossing the contact line, see SMM Spot Reports 27/2021, 28/2021, 29/2021, 30/2021, 31/2021, 32/2021 and 33/2021.

The Mission again notes that such denials and delays 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.