News and press releases

KYIV, 19 May 2021 — The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups were held through video conferencing:

Summary In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 196 ceasefire violations, including 67 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 52 ceasefire violations in the region. In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 37 ceasefire violations, including eight explosions. In the previous reporting

STOCKHOLM/VIENNA, 19 May 2021 — During the Stockholm Media Freedom conference, participants addressed some of the most pressing issues facing democratic societies today. Among the topics were safety of journalists and the role of independent media in democratic processes — all with a view on how OSCE participating States can increase public trust in independent media through the implementation of OSCE commitments. The situation of female journalists was especially highlighted throughout the conference.

Summary In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 52 ceasefire violations, including 17 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 723 ceasefire violations in the region. In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 50 ceasefire violations, including 15 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

COPENHAGEN, 18 May 2021 – The challenge of repatriating, prosecuting, rehabilitating and reintegrating foreign terrorist fighters was in focus today at a hearing organized by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism (CCT). Concerned particularly with the possibility of repatriating nationals detained in conflict-affected areas following the territorial defeat of the Islamic State terrorist group, the event examined the experience of Kazakhstan as a case study for lessons learned and good practices.

Summary In Donetsk region, between the evenings of 14 and 16 May, the SMM recorded 1,173 ceasefire violations, including 53 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 197 ceasefire violations in the region. In Luhansk region, between the evenings of 14 and 16 May, the Mission