Spot Report by the Observer Mission at the Russian checkpoints of Gukovo and Donetsk: Russian convoy of 62 vehicles crossed into Ukraine and returned back through the Donetsk Border Crossing Point

SUMMARY

On 08 January 2015 at 08:30 (Moscow time), a Russian convoy consisting of 62 vehicles arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). Cargo trucks were inspected by the Russian border guard and customs services. All the vehicles crossed back into the Russian Federation (RF) at 03:28 on January 09. This was the twelfth Russian convoy crossing through the Donetsk BCP since the arrival of the Observer Mission (OM) at the Russian BCPs.

DETAIL

Leaving the Russian Federation

On 08 January 2015 at 08:30, the OM observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the Donetsk BCP. The convoy consisted of 53 cargo trucks, 2 escort vehicles, 1 logistics vehicle, 5 support vehicles, and 1 ambulance. All 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. At least one official from the RF Ministry of Emergency Situation was present on site at the Donetsk BCP during the inspection of the convoy. The OM did not see any Ukrainian officers present on the site during the inspection process. By 10:00, the convoy had left the BCP towards Ukraine.

Returning to the Russian Federation

At 02:40 on 09 January, the convoy arrived, lined up at the customs area of the BCP and cargo trucks were inspected by RF officers The OM also saw Ukrainian officers taking part in the inspection. By 03:28 all 62 vehicles had returned and crossed back into the RF.