Spot Report Observer Mission at Russian checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk: Russian convoy of 70 vehicles cross into Ukraine and back through Donetsk BCP

This report is for the media and general public.

SUMMARY

On 08 February 2015 at 04:50 (Moscow time), a Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of 70 vehicles were inspected by the Russian border guard and customs services. All the vehicles crossed back into the Russian Federation (RF) at 16:33 on February 08.

DETAIL

Leaving the Russian Federation

On 08 February 2015 at 04:50, the Observer Mission (OM) observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the Donetsk BCP. The convoy consisted of 42 cargo trucks, 21 fuel trucks, 2 escort vehicles, 1 ambulance and 4 support vehicles. All trucks bore the inscription “Humanitarian help from the Russian Federation”. The vehicles stopped at the customs control area and back doors of the cargo trucks were opened and visually inspected by Russian border guards and customs officers from outside. No dogs were used this time round. Ukrainian officers- 6 border guards and 3 customs officers were present on site. They performed visual observation of the opened trucks using flashlights and in some instances taking pictures of the cargo from the outside. In a few cases, the OM saw Ukrainian officers glance into the trucks’ cabins. By 08:27, the convoy had left the BCP towards Ukraine. A Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations team was present on site at the BCP during the crossing of the convoy.

Returning to the Russian Federation

At 15:09 on 08 February, the convoy arrived and lined up at the customs area. The back doors of the trucks were open and both Russian and Ukrainian officers checked the returning convoy. By 16:33 all 70 vehicles had returned and crossed back into the RF.