News and press releases

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by security considerations and in two instances through delayed access to heavy weapons holding areas*. SMM monitors came under machine gun fire from a Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier in the Luhansk region. Heavy fighting was heard by the SMM in and around Shyrokyne on 10 May. Fighting around Donetsk airport continued, though at a reduced level compared with previous days. The SMM observed 9 May commemorations in many cities, some of which included displays of heavy weapons...

Civil society participants strengthened their ability to recognize and record hate crimes at a workshop organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Malaga, Spain on 10 May 2015.

Skopje, 10 May 2015- The Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Marianne Berecz, expresses sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the police officers who lost their lives during the events in Kumanovo and wishes all those injured a speedy recovery.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations.* Compared to previous days, the situation at Donetsk airport and Shyrokyne remained during daylight relatively calm. The SMM observed several official ceremonies for the “Reconciliation and Commemoration Day” throughout Ukraine passing peacefully.

BELGRADE, 9 May 2015 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić today had a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Poposki, about the latest developments in Kumanovo.

Skopje, 9 May 2015 – The OSCE Mission to Skopje is closely monitoring and assessing the security situation in Kumanovo and urges all those concerned to show restraint.

BELGRADE, 8 May 2015 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić today called on all sides in eastern Ukraine to ensure that commemoration events scheduled for this weekend are peaceful.