Spot Report by OSCE Observer Mission: A Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations truck crossed into Ukraine through the Donetsk Border Crossing Point

On 18 July 2016 the Observation Team (OT) of the Observation Mission at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP) observed a Russian Federation Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) truck (a white Kamaz with official black registration plates) entering Donetsk BCP at 05:15 from the Russian Federation side.

The truck was one of those usually used for convoys, but without any inscription concerning humanitarian aid. The truck had two uniformed MES officers inside. After 30 minute-long procedure with the Border Guards and Customs representatives, it moved from the Customs control zone and parked in front of the Duty-free shop. At 06:05 it left the BCP towards Ukraine. The cargo part of the truck was not opened and/or checked. Ukrainian Border Guards were not present, although the OT saw a Ukrainian guard watching the truck from the camp where the Ukrainian Border Guards are located. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine was informed about this event.

At 13:05 the OT observed the same truck entering the BCP from the Ukrainian side. The OT did not notice any physical check of the vehicle. Two uniformed MES officers were in the truck. The Ukrainian representatives were not present on the spot. After about 20 minutes, the truck left the Customs control zone and at 13:27 left the BCP towards the Russian Federation.