Spot report by OSCE Observer Mission, 2 Nov 2014: Russian convoy of 32 vehicles crossed into Ukraine and returned back through Donetsk Border Crossing Point

This report is for media and the general public

SUMMARY

On 2 November 2014 starting at 07:06 (Moscow time), a Russian convoy arrived to the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of 32 vehicles were inspected only by the Russian border guard and customs services. By 15:08 on the same day, all the vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation (RF).

DETAIL

Since the arrival of the Observer Mission (OM) to the Russian BCPs, this is the fourth Russian convoy sent by the RF into Ukraine crossing through the Donetsk BCP.

On 2 November 2014 starting at 07:06, the OM observed the arrival of the first vehicles belonging to a Russian convoy. All the trucks bore the inscription “Humanitarian help from the Russian Federation.” All the trucks opened the back door and canvas covers as they proceeded to the customs area. Each truck was visually inspected by one RF Border guard and one RF Customs officer. The Ukrainian officers, stationed next to the BCP, did not take part in the inspection process but observed the crossing and took pictures from across the BCP fence where they were stationed.

At 07:26, the first trucks started to cross into Ukraine.

By 07:51, the Russian officials completed the visual inspection and the last truck left the customs control and crossed into the Ukrainian side. The convoy consisted of 32 vehicles including 21 cargo trucks, 7 fuel trucks and 4 support vehicles.

At 14:40, the first vehicles of the Russian convoy returned to the BCP. All the trucks lined up in the customs area for a visual inspection by the Russian officers. The Ukrainian officers did not participate in the inspection but again observed and took pictures from across the BCP fence.

At 14:47, the first trucks started their movement into the RF and by 15:08, the 32 vehicles had crossed back into the RF.