News and press releases

On 1 May, the SMM was not allowed access to its observation post located 4km north-west of Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) where members of the battalion on the ground took position (See SMM Daily Report 2 May, 2015).

KYIV, 2 May 2015- The Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, today expressed his deep concern about an increase in incidents over the past 36 hours, involving live fire near and at SMM patrols.

This report is for the media and public The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. The SMM, based on its monitoring – which was restricted by third parties and by security considerations* – observed ongoing fighting in and around Donetsk airport, in the environs of Shyrokyne, and – to a lesser extent – in a number of other places. The SMM observed military movement on both sides of the contact line. Azov volunteer battalion members occupied an SMM observation point near Shyrokyne. Numerous peaceful rallies were held throughout the country.

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*. Fighting continued around Donetsk airport and Shyrokyne. The SMM observed military movement on both sides of the contact line.

VIENNA, 30 April 2015 – Strengthening co-operation and co-ordination between the UN, regional organizations and civil society in responding to crises and peace-building is critical, experts concluded at a two-day, high-level international conference which closed today in Vienna. The conference, focusing on strengthening peace and security co-operation towards democracy and development, brought together some 60 experts and practitioners to discuss the root causes of conflicts in their regions, and their role in building strong and inclusive democratic institutions...

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*. Fighting continued around Donetsk airport and Shyrokyne. The SMM observed military movement on both sides of the contact line...

COPENHAGEN, 28 April 2015 – The OSCE’s lack of a clear, international legal status and the challenges that result for its personnel, particularly during crisis situations, was the topic of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s latest Helsinki +40 seminar, held on 27 April in Copenhagen...