Spot Report by OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM):“DPR” members threaten SMM at gunpoint near Lukove

The SMM saw fresh tracks, assessed as caused by an infantry fighting vehicle leading south from “DPR”-controlled Lukove (72km south of Donetsk). At 13:47, while following the tracks, it was stopped by two armed “DPR” members who blocked the road with a camouflaged-style jeep (vehicle #1) and pointed their guns at the SMM. They ordered the SMM to leave the area, which they did.

At 13:49, when leaving the area, a second camouflaged-style jeep (vehicle #2), approached from a side road at high speed, almost hit the lead SMM vehicle and came to an abrupt stop in front of the patrol, blocking its way. At the same time, the two armed “DPR” members in vehicle #1 blocked the SMM from behind. Three armed “DPR” members jumped out of vehicle #2 and pointed their guns at the first SMM vehicle in a very aggressive manner and screamed at the driver to open the vehicle door. One “DPR” member made a “cut throat” sign to the SMM and took photographs of both SMM vehicles and the drivers.

The SMM was ordered to follow the “DPR” members to a checkpoint in Prymorske (76km south of Donetsk, 5km south of Lukove). One of the “DPR” members in vehicle #2 kept his gun pointed at the SMM for the duration. At this point the patrol called the SMM Regional Security Officer, who in turn informed the Joint Centre for Control and Co-operation.

At the checkpoint in Prymorske, nine armed “DPR” members surrounded the first SMM vehicle, swearing and making threatening gestures. One armed “DPR” member stated twice that SMM members should be shot. Another armed “DPR” member twice struck the front left wing of the first patrol vehicle with his rifle butt leaving two dents.

At 14:00, the SMM was released from the area and returned safely to its base in Mariupol.