Statement by the Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine

KYIV, 31 January, 2015 - The Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, today condemned the shelling of densely populated civilian areas in eastern Ukraine.

Initial reports indicate more civilians were killed and injured yesterday by shells landing deep in Donetsk City.

“Yet again, innocent civilians have been impacted by the crisis, and yet again we are seeing more bloodshed,” said Apakan, adding that the SMMU was on the scene in Donetsk City on Friday to conduct an analysis and establish the facts.

“It should be understood that the main outcome of such violence is a surge in human suffering. I urge all sides to exercise maximum restraint, and fully assume their responsibility to prevent further displacement and suffering, and to redouble their efforts to reach a political settlement,” said Apakan, adding that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission continued to stand ready to facilitate a ceasefire and to support all efforts to ease civilian suffering.

The Chief Monitor extends his condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Ukraine.