Spot Report by the Observer Mission at the Russian checkpoints of Gukovo and Donetsk: Russian convoy crossed into Ukraine and returned through Donetsk Border Crossing Point

This report is for the media and public

On 12 December 2014 at 07:50 (Moscow time), a Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of 83 vehicles were inspected by the Russian border guard and customs services. All the vehicles crossed back into the Russian Federation (RF) at 19:47 on December 12. This was the ninth Russian convoy to cross the border into Ukraine, and the eight crossing through the Donetsk BCP since the arrival of the Observer Mission (OM) at the Russian BCPs.

On 12 December 2014 at 07:50, the OM observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the Donetsk BCP. The convoy consisted of 58 cargo trucks, 19 fuel trucks, 2 escort vehicles, 2 logistics vehicles, 1 command and control vehicle, and 1 ambulance. All cargo trucks bore the inscription “Humanitarian help from the Russian Federation”. The vehicles stopped at the customs control area and the cargo trucks were opened and inspected by Russian border guards and customs officers. The OM saw that Ukrainian officers were present on the site during the inspection process. By 09:20, the convoy had left the BCP towards Ukraine.

At least one official from the Ministry of Emergency Situation was present on site at the Donetsk BCP during the inspection of the convoy.

At 19:05, the convoy arrived at the BCP from Ukraine, lined up at the customs area and was inspected by the RF officials. The OM saw Ukrainian officers on site as well. By 19:47 all 83 vehicles had returned and crossed back into the RF.