News and press releases

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations, including more explosions, in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous reporting period, predominantly during night hours. The SMM confirmed reports of civilian injuries and conducted crater analysis in districts of Donetsk city, the area of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge and Novooleksandrivka. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons on both sides of the contact line, and saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in government-controlled areas. The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles in the security zone. The SMM observed the presence of unexploded ordnance and mine warning signs in areas close to the contact line. The SMM intensified its monitoring of the situation at three crossing points at the administrative boundary line between the mainland and Crimea...

VIENNA, 12 August 2016- This year’s International Youth Day, 12 August, focuses on achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the leading role youth plays for equitable socioeconomic development – critical also to the implementation of relevant commitments of OSCE participating States...

SKOPJE, 11 August 2016- In response to the floods in the Skopje and Tetovo region, the OSCE Mission to Skopje is providing urgent assistance and emergency tools to the flood-affected areas...

The SMM noted a decrease in the number of ceasefire violations recorded in Donetsk region compared with the day before but an increase in Luhansk region, where most of the violations were assessed as training related. The SMM confirmed reports of civilian deaths and injuries. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons. The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles in the security zone. The Mission monitored in the proposed disengagement area near Zolote. The SMM observed the presence of mines and mine warning signs in areas close to the contact line. It monitored border areas not under government control. The SMM continued to monitor the situation at three crossing points at the administrative boundary line between the mainland and Crimea. None of the SMM’s interlocutors could confirm media reports of security incidents involving shooting or military activities in the vicinity of the administrative boundary line...

BISHKEK, 10 August 2016 – A three-day OSCE-supported workshop for 15 press officers from Kyrgyzstan’s armed forces on communications and on co-operating during times of crisis concluded today in Bishkek...

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). While according to data received from Rostov region Border Guard Service the number of entries/exits increased compared to last week, the OM observed an overall decrease of crossings under the specific categories...

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared to the previous day. The Mission observed the aftermath of shelling on both sides of the contact line and analysed craters in and around Krasnohorivka, Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove), Novotoshkivske, Popasna and Kadiivka (formerly Stakhanov), assessing in all cases the direction of fire. It observed the presence of multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) in violation of the respective withdrawal line on both sides of the contact line. The SMM noted long queues at an entry-exit checkpoint near the contact line in Stanytsia Luhanska and monitored one border area not controlled by the Government. The SMM continued to monitor the situation at three crossing points at the administrative boundary line between Kherson region and Crimea, observing the closure of one of crossing point. The Mission observed public gatherings in Lviv and Kyiv...