Weekly update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 08:00 (Moscow time), 29 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 slightly increased. More people left than entered the Russian Federation (RF) at the two observed BCPs although this return movement has continued to slow down. The OM observed again a considerable number of persons in military-style clothing crossing the border in both directions, few 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

The mission’s mandate has been extended until 23 November 2014. Sixteen international observers continued to provide a permanent presence at the two BCPs of Donetsk and Gukovo. OM administrative staff are currently rotating and, as of 29 October, two out of three have been replaced. The OM is operating with 18 staff members (including two 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 slightly from 7,843 to 7,906 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 further decreased. The average net flow, i.e. the balance of entries and exits, fell from minus 466 to minus 197 per day for both BCPs. 1,381 persons have returned to Ukraine through both BCPs compared to 3,260 during the previous week. Again Donetsk BCP experienced more traffic than Gukovo BCP. The cross-border movements registered at both BCPs still account for 41 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. Due to the cold weather conditions fewer people than usually cross the border and talk to the Observer Teams (OTs). Those who crossed the border from Ukraine reported that the situation has remained largely calm in the Luhansk region. However, the number of small arms shootings and artillery firing reported to the OM has slightly increased. People from urban areas worry about heating during winter as the centralised heating system has been destroyed in many places, while inhabitants of villages rely on autonomous heating with wood or coal. Again, the OM observed numerous people bringing small generators from the RF to Ukraine.

Regular local and long-distance bus connections are in operation between the Luhansk region and cities in the RF.

This week the OTs observed 569 men and women in military-style dress who crossed the border in both directions. They crossed predominantly at Donetsk BCP and 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.

Military movement

At the two BCPs the OM did not observe any military movement, apart from vehicles of the RF border guard service. No aircraft activity was observed at or in the vicinity of the BCPs.

Observation at the Gukovo BCP

The overall traffic flow at Gukovo BCP slightly increased compared to last week. A daily average of 2,888 entries and exits was recorded, which accounted for fourteen percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The net flow continued to be negative for the sixth week in a row but during this reporting period a daily average of 41 persons only left the RF. This statistic indicates a continuous but decelerating return movement to Ukraine.

During the week, the OM observed a total of 57 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at Gukovo BCP, 32 left for Ukraine while 25 entered the RF.

On 22 October, the OTs heard a strong explosion in the vicinity of the BCP. According to information received by RF border guard officers, mine clearing activity was conducted on the Ukrainian side of the border. The same day small arms shooting was heard from a nearby firing range on Ukrainian territory, which was already mentioned in previous updates.

The OM observed an increase in the number of dumper trucks transporting coal from the Luhansk region to the RF. While usually around twelve trucks have been crossing back and forth on a daily basis, the OT counted more than thirty on 24 October alone. The observers again saw RF customs officers verifying if the trucks were empty while exiting the RF.

Observation at the Donetsk BCP

During the reporting period, the activity at the Donetsk BCP remained at similar levels. The daily average of 5,018 entries and exits was slightly lower than during the previous week. This number accounted for 26 percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The net flow remained negative but decreased further from 396 to 156 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 clear slowdown of the return movement into Ukraine.

512 persons in military clothing crossed the border at Donetsk BCP individually or in groups and predominantly into the RF.