OSCE SMM Spot Report 6/2022: A member of the armed formations threatened the SMM at a training area near Shymshynivka, Luhansk region

On the morning of 16 February, while the SMM was on patrol at a training area of the armed formations near Shymshynivka (non-government-controlled, 27km south-west of Luhansk), an unarmed member of the armed formations requested the Mission to leave the area, stating that the Mission’s presence was not allowed during live-fire exercises and that it should seek prior authorization from those in control. The member of the armed formations also threatened to seize patrol vehicles should the Mission attempt to visit the area without prior authorization in the future. Following contact with the patrol hub, the patrol left the area.

The Mission strongly objects to any conditioning of the SMM’s presence throughout its mandated area of operations, as well as unacceptable threats to seize Mission assets, which cannot be justified under any circumstances. It is for the Mission to decide where it wishes to patrol, including making its own appropriate security assessments.

The Mission reiterates the unconditional nature of its freedom of movement and its right to monitor within the bounds delineated in its mandate.

The OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.