News and press releases

VIENNA, 5 January 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today expressed concern regarding the recent deportations of Russian journalists from Latvia...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous reporting period. A man, who claimed to be a “DPR” member, intentionally damaged an SMM vehicle in Makiivka. The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; it recorded ceasefire violations near the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area. The Mission’s access remained restricted in all three areas and elsewhere. The SMM visited four border areas not under government control...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous 24 hours. The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; it recorded ceasefire violations near the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area. The Mission’s access remained restricted in all three areas and elsewhere, including near Markyne. The SMM visited a border area not under government control. The Mission monitored a peaceful gathering in Kyiv...

KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKIY, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs)...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions between the evenings of 29 and 30 December compared with the previous 24 hours. Between the evenings of 30 and 31 December, it recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both regions compared with the previous 24 hours. Between the evenings of 31 December and 1 January, it recorded more ceasefire violations in both regions compared with the previous 24 hours. The Mission observed damage, including from shelling, to civilian residences in Donetsk city. The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; it recorded a ceasefire violation in the Petrivske disengagement area. The Mission’s access remained restricted in all three areas and elsewhere. The SMM saw recently laid anti-tank mines in a field near Vesela Hora. It visited three border areas outside government control. The Mission monitored a peaceful gathering in Kyiv.

Rome, 1 January 2018 – Strengthening multilateralism as an instrument to relaunch the 'spirit of Helsinki' and to further promote peace, security, stability and co-operation will be Italy’s key priority for its 2018 OSCE Chairmanship, said today the Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano as he took up the post of Chairperson-in-Office of the regional security organization.

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous reporting period. The Mission followed up on reports of a minor injured by an explosion in Honcharivka. The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; it recorded ceasefire violations near the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area. The SMM’s access remained restricted in all three areas and elsewhere, including at a heavy weapons holding area and near Markyne. The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in Oleksandropil. The Mission facilitated and monitored repairs to power lines near Betmanove and was informed that power had been restored to the village; it also facilitated and monitored maintenance works in Zalizne. The SMM visited two border areas outside government control.