OSCE SMM Spot Report 5/2022: A member of the armed formations threatened the SMM at the border crossing point near Dovzhanske, Luhansk region

On the morning of 11 February, while on patrol at the border crossing point near Dovzhanske (non-government-controlled, 84km south-east of Luhansk), the SMM was approached by a member of the armed formations who asked the patrol to state its task. He also said that the SMM was not allowed to visit the area without prior co-ordination with his superiors in the armed formations. He concluded by claiming that the SMM was only allowed to perform its tasks along the contact line.

The Mission informed the member of armed formations that the details of the patrol plan could not be shared, and explained that unconditional freedom of movement across the Mission’s area of responsibility was enshrined in its mandate. He reacted aggressively and threatened the mission members with arrest, should they not comply with his demand to leave the area immediately. The patrol left the area.

The SMM deplores the aggressive behavior and unacceptable threats made to Mission members, which cannot be justified under any circumstances.

The SMM reiterates the unconditional nature of its freedom of movement as enshrined in its mandate.

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.