Weekly update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 10:00 (Moscow time), 10 December 2014
This report is for media and the general public.
SUMMARY
Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Russian Federation – The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). Overall cross-border traffic flows decreased at both BCPs. The OM continued to observe a significant number of persons in military-style clothing crossing the border in both directions.
DETAIL
OM’s arrival, establishment and observation work
The OM is currently operating with 18 staff members, consisting of 13 permanent international observers (incl. the Chief Observer), four temporary international observers and one administrative assistant. Six international observers are currently on leave.
Cross-border movements common to both BCPs
The profile of the people crossing the border remains unchanged and can be categorised as follows:
- Families on foot or by car with a lot of luggage;
- Elderly people with few bags;
- Adults (usually of younger age) with no luggage or empty cars;
- People wearing military-style clothes with or without backpacks.
The average number of entries/exits decreased from 7,279 to 6,271 per day for both BCPs during the reporting period. More people entered Ukraine than the RF. The average net flow (i.e. the balance of entries and exits) was minus 87 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience more traffic than the Gukovo BCP. The cross-border movements registered at both BCPs accounted for 37 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. The OM continued to observe that the RF border guard and customs service conducted checks and controls.
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between the Luhansk region and cities in the RF.
Due to the cold weather conditions and heavy snow on the roads leading to the BCP, the number of people crossing the border by foot and stopping to talk to the Observer Teams (OT) continued to decrease. One notable case was on the 4th of December when two ladies crossed the border from Ukraine into the RF at the BCP Donetsk specifically to ask the OSCE for help. They approached the OT to report a missing person and ask for assistance. They left their contact details and gave the OT all information known to them about what happened to their relative. The OT explained that missing persons is not part of the OM’s mandate but promised to pass this information on to relevant organizations working in the region, which was done.
During the reporting period, the OTs observed 488 men and women in military-style dress crossing the border in both directions, predominantly towards the RF. These people have been crossing individually or in groups. These border crossings occurred predominantly at the Donetsk BCP in both directions. The OTs also noted that recently more and more females in military-style clothing are crossing the border. The OTs continued to observe several Cossacks who were identified by their traditional fur hats, as well as by Cossack insignias. The OTs also observed a number of ambulances crossing the border at the BCP Donetsk.
The OTs continued to observe an increased number of cars with “DPR/LPR” stickers, replacing the Ukrainian flag on their licence plates. In addition, OTs observed “DPR/LPR” flags being displayed on car dashboards.
Military movement
At the two BCPs the OM did not observe any military movement, apart from vehicles of the RF border guard service.
Observation at the Gukovo BCP
The traffic flows at the Gukovo BCP decreased compared to last week. A daily average of 2,147 entries and exits was recorded, which accounted for approximately thirteen percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. Compared to last week still more people exited the RF than entered, however, the number of people exiting decreased. The net flow went from minus 44 (i.e. exits from the RF) to minus 25 (i.e. exits from the RF) on average per day.
During the week, the OM observed a total of 40 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at the Gukovo BCP, 23 of them left for Ukraine while 17 entered the RF.
The OM continued to observe high numbers of dumper trucks transporting coal from the Luhansk region to the RF. As reported previously, the observers saw RF customs officers verifying that the trucks were empty while leaving the RF.
Observation at the Donetsk BCP
During the reporting period, the activity at the Donetsk BCP decreased. The daily average of 4,124 entries and exits accounted for approximately 24 percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The net flow changed from plus 12 (i.e. entries to the RF) to minus 62 (i.e. exits from the RF) on average per day.
The OT observed 448 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at the Donetsk BCP individually and in groups; 252 persons entered the RF while 196 left for Ukraine.
For the first time, OTs observed a car with the following inscription: “Battalion of the Mujahed” (original: “Батальон маджахеда”) on the windshield. The car, crossing at the Donetsk BCP from Ukraine into the RF, had its license plates registered in the Luhansk region with one driver and passenger dressed in military-style clothing bearing Novorossiya insignias.