News and press releases

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

ANKARA, 17 July 2016 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Christine Muttonen (MP, Austria), is leading a high-level delegation to Turkey following the attempted coup of 15 July. In meetings with the President, Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other officials, the delegation has expressed the solidarity of the OSCE PA with Turkey and its people in the aftermath of the attempted seizure of power...

The SMM observed an increase in the number of explosions recorded in Donetsk region compared with the previous day with intense fighting noted in the area of Yasynuvata-Avdiivka. Fewer explosions were recorded in Luhansk region compared with the previous day. The SMM carried out crater analysis on both sides of the contact line, in Pikuzy, Popasna and Novoselivka. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, and observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. It facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure. The SMM faced freedom-of-movement restrictions, three in “LPR”-controlled and two in government-controlled areas. The Mission monitored two border areas not controlled by the Government. The SMM continued to assess the situation to be calm along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The Mission monitored the Pride parade in Odessa...

ASTANA, 16 August 2016 – An OSCE-supported training seminar on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) for some 45 notaries, advocates and government officials took place today in Astana. The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in co-operation with the Finance Ministry’s Financial Monitoring Committee...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations, in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions, with a significant increase in the number of explosions recorded in both regions on 14 August compared with the previous day. The SMM confirmed casualties and conducted crater analysis near Popasna, Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, Donetsk city, Yasynuvata, Mykolaivka, Zhovte and Kruta Hora. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, and saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles in the security zone and monitored border areas not controlled by the Government on six occasions*. The Mission continued to monitor the situation at three crossing points at the administrative boundary line between the mainland and Crimea. The SMM faced 11 freedom-of-movement restrictions, most in areas not controlled by the Government...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations through the evening of 12 August, including fewer explosions, in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous reporting period. The Mission recorded an intense exchange of fire near Stanytsia Luhanska on the night of 12 August. The SMM confirmed civilian casualties and conducted crater analysis near Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, Donetsk city, Marinka, Lobacheve and Popasna. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, and saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in areas not controlled by the Government. The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles in the security zone and monitored a border area not controlled by the Government. The Mission continued to monitor the situation at three crossing points at the administrative boundary line between the mainland and Crimea. The SMM faced four freedom of movement restrictions, three of them in areas controlled by the Government...

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...