Spot Report by the Observer Mission at the Russian checkpoints of Gukovo and Donetsk: Russian convoy of 90 vehicles crossed into Ukraine and returned back through Donetsk Border Crossing Point

SUMMARY

On 31 January 2015 at 08:00 (Moscow time), a Russian convoy consisting of 90 vehicles arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). Cargo trucks were inspected by the Russian border

guards and customs services. All the vehicles crossed back into the Russian Federation at 21:20 on January 31. This was the thirteenth Russian convoy crossing through the Donetsk BCP since the arrival of the Observer Mission (OM) at the Russian BCPs.

DETAIL

Leaving the Russian Federation

On 31 January 2015 at 08:00, the OM observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the

Donetsk BCP. The convoy consisted of 81 cargo trucks and 9 escort vehicles. All trucks bore the inscription “Humanitarian help from the Russian Federation”. The vehicles stopped at the customs control area and the cargo trucks were opened and inspected by Russian border guards and customs officers. The OM observed the Ukrainian officers also taking part in the inspection alongside their Russian counterparts. Two officials from the Russian Federation Ministry of Emergency Situations were present on site at the Donetsk BCP during the inspection of the convoy. By 10:05, the convoy had left the BCP towards Ukraine.

Returning to the Russian Federation

At 19:50 on 31 January, the convoy arrived, lined up at the customs area of the BCP and cargo

trucks were inspected by Russian officers. The OM saw Ukrainian officers taking part in the

inspection too. By 21:20 all 90 vehicles had returned and crossed back into the Russian Federation.