News and press releases

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission is delighted with news of the release of the military observers held hostage since Friday 25 April and pleased to have been able to assist the Ukrainian authorities in the efforts that led to their release.

Bern, 3 May 2014 – Didier Burkhalter, Swiss Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, expressed his gratitude to all participating States involved in the efforts for the release of the seven military inspectors and their Ukrainian hosts who were detained in Sloviansk by a group of armed individuals.

Kyiv, 3 May 2014- In the course of the past 24 hours, the situation in eastern and southern Ukraine has deteriorated further. More violence across this region has left many injured and led to dozens of lives lost.

VIENNA, 2 May 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today renewed her call on all parties to show respect for media freedom in Ukraine following new cases of intimidation of journalists, disappearances and a violent takeover of a television station.

The situation in Ukraine remained tense in Luhansk and, in particular, and in Donetsk regions. In other parts of the country an increased police presence was observed due to the fear of possible provocations during May holidays.

This update is provided for the media and the public. The situation in Ukraine remained tense in Luhansk and, in particular, and in Donetsk regions. In other parts of the country an increased police presence was observed due to the fear of possible provocations during May holidays.

VIENNA, 30 April 2014- Ambassador Hido Biščević of Croatia, Team Leader of the OSCE’s National Dialogue Project in Ukraine, addressed the OSCE Permanent Council today. He presented recommendations on how the OSCE can contribute to social cohesion and tolerance amid the current crisis...