Weekly update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 08:00 (Moscow time), 15 October 2014

This report is for media and the general public.

SUMMARY

Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Russian Federation – The Observer Mission (OM) is operating at full capacity. Cross-border traffic flows remained relatively steady at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs) and the total number of border-crossings has increased again. More people left than entered the Russian Federation (RF) at the two observed BCPs although this number has remarkably declined. The OM observed fewer persons in military-style clothing crossing the border in both directions, several of them apparently belonging to Cossack units. Truck convoys continued to transport coal from the Luhansk region to the RF.

DETAIL

OM’s arrival, establishment and observation work

Sixteen international observers continued to provide a permanent presence at the two BCPs of Donetsk and Gukovo. The OM is currently operating with 19 staff members (including three administrative assistants).

Cross-border movements common to both BCPs

The profile of the people crossing the border remains unchanged and can be categorised as follows:

1. Families on foot or by car with a lot of luggage;
2. Elderly people with few bags;
3. Adults (usually of younger age) with no luggage or empty cars;
4. People wearing military-style clothes with or without backpacks.

The average number of entries/exits has increased significantly from 7,662 to 8,965 per day for both BCPs during this reporting period. The majority of people continued to cross the border from the Russian Federation (RF) to Ukraine although their numbers dropped drastically. The average net flow, i.e. the balance of entries and exits, fell from minus 1,213 to minus 690 per day for both BCPs. 4,827 persons have returned to Ukraine through both BCPs compared to 8,493 during the previous week. Again Donetsk BCP experienced more traffic than Gukovo BCP. The cross-border movements registered at both BCPs still account for 43 percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The majority of the vehicles crossing the border have number plates issued in the Luhansk region, including the long-distance coaches commuting between Luhansk and cities in the RF.

Common observations at the BCPs

The situation at both BCPs remained calm. People who cross the border regularly talk to the Observer Teams (OTs). Those who crossed the border from Ukraine reported that the situation remained largely calm in the Luhansk region. Schools and kindergartens are open in general. However, some border-crossers from the Alchevsk and Sverdlovsk areas stated that sporadic shooting and firing had recently resumed. Although water and electricity supplies have returned to several parts, many people worry about heating during winter as the centralised heating system has been destroyed in many places. The OM observed quite a number of people bringing small generators from the RF to Ukraine. Again, many complained about the high prices. This is particularly difficult for pensioners, invalids and public servants (incl. teachers) who have not received their pensions/salaries for more than four months.

Regular local and long-distance bus connections are in operation between the Luhansk region and cities in the RF. For the first time a regular bus connection between Alchevsk and Moscow has been observed.

This week the OTs observed 483 men and women in military-style dress who crossed the border in both directions after a peak of 555 during the previous reporting period. They crossed predominantly at Donetsk BCP and equally in both directions. Among them again were several Cossacks. The observers did not see any of them carrying weapons.

As in previous weeks, the OM observed a number of wounded or sick persons who crossed on their own or were transferred by ambulances from Ukraine to the RF. The OT at Donetsk BCP observed a hearse on 12 October.

Military movement

At the two BCPs the OM did not observe any military movement or aircraft.

Observation at the Gukovo BCP

The overall traffic flow at Gukovo BCP increased compared to last week. A daily average of 3,184 entries and exits was recorded, which accounted for fifteen percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The net flow continued to be negative for the fifth week in a row, with a daily average of 125 persons leaving the RF despite showing a comparative decline. This statistic indicates a continuous but decelerating return movement to Ukraine.

During the week, the OM observed a total of 35 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at Gukovo BCP, eighteen left for Ukraine while seventeen entered the RF.

Only in one instance, on 14 October, the OTs briefly heard small arms shooting from a nearby firing range on Ukrainian territory, which was already mentioned in previous updates.

Every day the OTs continued to observe convoys of five to seven dumper trucks crossing to Ukraine and back. The trucks are reportedly transporting coal from Ukraine to the RF. Several times the observer saw RF customs officers verifying if the trucks were empty while exiting the RF. As reported earlier, the trucks are transporting coal from Ukraine to the RF because the local railway track from Gukovo to Chervonopartizansk is allegedly not operational. However, the observers heard the sound of a train from the direction of Ukraine on 10 October.

Observation at the Donetsk BCP

During the reporting period, the activity at the Donetsk BCP remained at similar levels. The daily average of entries and exits slightly rose to 5,780. This number accounted for 28 percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The net flow remained negative but decreased significantly from 1,016 to 565 exits to Ukraine on average per day. The total number of border-crossings at Donetsk BCP was almost double that of Gukovo BCP. These figures indicate a slowdown of the return movement into Ukraine.

The number of persons in military clothing who crossed the border at Donetsk BCP individually or in groups has dropped after a peak of 505 in the last week. The OTs observed a total of 448 persons who crossed the border equally in both directions.

The OT heard one instance of small arms fire on 10 October.