Spot report by the OSCE Observer Mission: Russian convoy of 15 vehicles crossed into Ukraine and returned through the Donetsk Border Crossing Point

This report is for the media and general public.

SUMMARY

On 20 February 2015 at 07:00hrs (Moscow time), a Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of 15 vehicles were checked by the Russian border guard and customs services. All the vehicles crossed back into the Russian Federation (RF) at 16:05hrs on 20 February.

This convoy came as a surprise for the Observer Mission (OM) because the Mission was not warned in advance. The Observation Team (OT) found out about the convoy only when it arrived at the BCP.

DETAIL

Leaving the Russian Federation

On 20 February 2015 at 07:00hrs, the Observer Mission (OM) observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the Donetsk BCP. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations team led the process of the convoy crossing. The convoy consisted of 11 cargo trucks, one escort vehicle, one ambulance and two support vehicles. All trucks bore the inscription “Humanitarian help from the Russian Federation”. The convoy entered the BCP territory and waited for the customs inspection to begin. At 07:25 the vehicles entered the customs control area and all of them were quickly visually checked by the Russian border guards and customs officers from outside. No dogs were used in the check this time round. Ukrainian officers were not present on site during the check. By 07:40hrs all vehicles had left the BCP towards Ukraine.

Returning to the Russian Federation

At 15:45hrs on 20 February, the convoy arrived at the customs area and was quickly visually checked by the Russian officers. Ukrainian officers were not present on site during the return of the convoy. By 16:05hrs all 15 vehicles had returned and crossed back into the RF.

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