OSCE SMM Spot Report 30/2021: Armed formations denied the SMM passage to non-government-controlled areas near Zolote, Luhansk region

At 15:00 on 25 November, an SMM patrol consisting of four vehicles arrived from government-controlled areas at about 350m north of the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote to travel to non-government-controlled areas. Two members of the armed formations (wearing armbands with “JCCC” written on them) denied the Mission passage, citing “orders from their superiors”. At 15:15, the patrol left and returned to government-controlled areas.

To recall, on 23 and earlier in the day on 25 November, the armed formations denied the SMM passage in both directions at three locations across the contact line in Luhansk region, and, on 24 November, denied the Mission passage in both directions at one location in Donetsk region (See SMM Spot Reports 27/2021, 28/2021 and 29/2021).

The OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.