Daily and spot reports from the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine

The SMM recorded significantly fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region (including 35 explosions) compared with 18 September (which included 322 explosions). In Luhansk region the Mission recorded 11 ceasefire violations (no explosions), compared with none during 18 September. The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons. It observed four Uragan multiple-launch rocket systems in Rubizhne and the presence of armoured vehicles in the security zone. The SMM monitored the situation of civilians queuing at checkpoints along the contact line. The Mission facilitated repair work of water infrastructure and demining activities in Luhansk region. The SMM continued to monitor the situation at a school along the contact line. In Odessa it monitored the re-establishment of a protest against the mayor. The Mission encountered one restriction of its freedom of movement...

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations both in Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous reporting period...

The SMM recorded a higher number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk, including 126 explosions compared with 38 in the previous reporting period...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region, including 63 explosions compared with 126 in the previous reporting period. Most of the recorded ceasefire violations occurred in the area of Yasynuvata-Avdiivka. The Mission recorded more ceasefire violations in Luhansk region (29 explosions compared with six). The SMM continued to observe the presence of weapons in violation of the respective withdrawal lines, including four multiple-launch rocket systems (Grad) near Ivanivka, and followed up on the presence of mines near populated areas. The SMM observed damages caused to houses and infrastructure in Nyzhnoteple. The Mission continued to facilitate and monitor repair works to essential infrastructure in Luhansk region. The SMM encountered restrictions to its freedom of movement including in disengagement areas near Petrivske and Zolote, and noted a calm situation in the wider Petrivske area...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk, including 209 explosions compared with 63 in the previous reporting period, with most of them concentrated in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata area. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded ten explosions compared with 29 in the previous reporting period. The Mission monitored two border areas currently not under government control. The SMM encountered restrictions to its freedom of movement, including in the disengagement areas near Petrivske and Zolote, and noted a calm situation in the wider Petrivske area. The SMM continued to monitor the anti-mayor protest in Odessa and observed a blockade at the Uzhhorod border crossing point...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region both on 24 and 25 September, including 154 and 21 explosions, respectively, with almost all concentrated in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata area, compared with 209 in the previous reporting period. In Luhansk region the SMM noted a relatively calm situation, with one explosion recorded compared with ten in the previous reporting period. The SMM observed heavy weapons in violation of withdrawal lines and armoured combat vehicles in the security zone. The SMM followed up on reports of a civilian injured in Avdiivka and occupation of civilian buildings by armed formations in Yasynuvata. The SMM monitored the situation of civilians living near the contact line and of civilians at checkpoints. The Mission monitored three border areas currently not under government control. The Mission was restricted in its freedom of movement, including in disengagement areas near Petrivske and Zolote and noted a calm situation in the wider Petrivske, Stanytsia Luhanska and Zolote areas. The SMM monitored commemoration events along the administrative boundary line between the mainland and Crimea...

The SMM recorded slightly more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including 24 and five explosions respectively (compared with 21 and one explosion on 25 September, respectively). The Mission monitored in the vicinity of disengagement areas of Petrivske, Stanytsia Luhanska and Zolote and noted demining activity on both sides of the contact line. The SMM observed heavy weapons in violation of withdrawal lines and heavy artillery beyond withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line, and armoured combat vehicles in the security zone. The SMM monitored the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance in populated areas. The Mission was restricted in its freedom of movement, including in disengagement areas near Petrivske and Zolote...

Armed individuals guarding heavy weapons in Yurivka fire into the air as SMM tries to approach

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region, including 187 explosions compared with 24 in the previous reporting period, with most of them concentrated in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata-Donetsk airport triangle area. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded a single ceasefire violation (one burst) compared with the previous reporting period (five explosions). The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process near Petrivske, Stanytsia Luhanska and Zolote and noted a calm situation. The Mission was restricted in its freedom of movement, including in disengagement areas near Petrivske and Zolote. The SMM monitored one border area currently not under government control...

In Donetsk region the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations, including 144 explosions, more than half of them recorded in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata area, compared with 187 explosions in the previous reporting period. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations, including six explosions, compared with one single violation in the previous reporting period. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process near Stanytsia Luhanska, Petrivske, and Zolote, and it noted a relatively calm situation. The Mission was restricted nine times in its freedom of movement, including on both sides of the Shchastia bridge and in the disengagement areas near Petrivske-Bohdanivka and Zolote-Pervomaisk. It was also blocked by a crowd at a “DPR” checkpoint near Horlivka. The Mission continued to facilitate and monitor repair works in Luhansk region. The SMM monitored one border area not controlled by the Government. In Odessa the SMM continued to monitor the security situation surrounding the protest against the mayor and followed up on an alleged arson attack on one of the protestors’ tents...

The SMM noted an increase in the number of ceasefire violations recorded in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It was restricted in its freedom of movement, including in the areas of Petrivske and Zolote. The SMM observed the presence of mines and saw demining being carried out. The SMM monitored the situation of civilians in areas near the contact line...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region, including 255 explosions compared with 198 in the previous reporting period. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations, most assessed as live-fire exercise at a training area outside the security zone. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. The SMM noted progress in demining and removal of obstacles in Zolote. The SMM was restricted in its freedom of movement, including in the areas of Petrivske and Zolote, on both sides of the Shchastia bridge, as well as at a border area currently not under government control.* The SMM observed lack of water supply in several areas north of Luhansk. The Mission monitored the departure of internally displaced persons from Odessa towards areas not under government control in Donetsk region...

The SMM noted an increase in the number of ceasefire violations recorded in Donetsk region on 1 October followed by a decrease on 2 October...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with 2 October...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with 3 October...

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region as in the previous reporting period. In Luhansk region the number of ceasefire violations recorded, all during daytime, increased significantly for the second consecutive day. The SMM followed up on reports of shelling in Makiivka. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; the SMM was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas. The SMM monitored the situation of civilians living near the contact line and of civilians queuing at entry-exit checkpoints. The SMM visited two border areas in Kharkiv. The Mission monitored the situation of internally displaced persons in Odessa and Donetsk regions...

The SMM recorded a significantly higher number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with the previous reporting period. The SMM followed up on reports of shooting in Marinka. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; the SMM was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas. The SMM monitored the situation of civilians living near the contact line and of civilians queuing at entry-exit checkpoints. The SMM visited border areas outside government control, as well as border areas in Chernihiv and Vinnytsia...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region, including 363 explosions compared with the previous reporting period (848 explosions). In Luhansk region the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations, including 29 explosions compared with nine during the previous reporting period, while 23 of the explosions were attributable to live-fire exercises outside the security zone. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; the SMM was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas.* The SMM observed pullback of forces and hardware from the disengagement area both in Petrivske and Bohdanivka following the announcement by both Ukrainian and Russian Armed Forces representatives to the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) about the start of disengagement. The Mission monitored the withdrawal of weapons and saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. The SMM monitored the situation of internally displaced persons in Odessa...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region, including 150 and 127 explosions on 8 and 9 October, respectively, compared with 363 explosions recorded on 7 October. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded no ceasefire violations on 8 October and 47 explosions on 9 October, compared with 29 explosions on 7 October. The Mission followed up on reports of civilian casualties, an explosion and a shelling. The Mission monitored the withdrawal of weapons and saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. The SMM continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. During the reporting period the Mission could not verify the status of disengagement in the Zolote and Petrivske areas due to restrictions to its access. On 9 October the SMM noted that no disengagement took place in the Stanytsia Luhanska area, where it also faced restrictions to its access. The Mission observed mine hazard signs and new UXO in the security zone, including near populated areas. The SMM monitored six border areas not controlled by the Government. The SMM noted a calm situation along the administrative boundary line between Kherson and Crimea...

The SMM recorded a higher number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous day, whereas in Luhansk region the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with the previous day. The SMM followed up on reports of shelling and civilian casualties in “DPR”-controlled Sakhanka. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; the SMM was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas. The SMM monitored the situation of civilians queuing at entry-exit checkpoints and observed a demonstration in Luhansk city against the deployment of an international armed mission...

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region as in the previous reporting period, with many concentrated in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata area and areas north-east and east of Mariupol...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period, with most concentrated in areas north-east and east of Mariupol and in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata area...

At 10:25hrs on 24 December, an SMM patrol arrived in Kominternove (92km south of Donetsk, 23km north-east of Mariupol) from the village’s eastern entrance, escorted by armed “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”) members. For the last two days, the SMM had attempted to reach the village to follow up on reports about the presence of armed “DPR” members, but had not been able to do so due to security concerns and the restriction to its freedom of movement imposed by armed personnel (see SMM Daily Reports 23 December and 24 December 2015)...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period, with most concentrated in areas north-east and east of Mariupol and in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata area...

The SMM recorded a significant increase in ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the day before, the vast majority of which occurred in areas north-east of Mariupol. In Luhansk region more explosions were recorded compared with the day before. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; the SMM was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas.* It followed up on reports of civilian casualties. The SMM observed the presence and movement of multiple armoured vehicles in government-controlled parts of Luhansk region. An unknown person threw an explosive device at the building housing the SMM office in Ivano-Frankivsk. The SMM observed a number of marches and events across Ukraine marking the “Day of the Defender”.

At 10:53hrs on 27 December, an SMM patrol comprised of six SMM members in two armoured vehicles arrived at 3.5km south-south-west of the centre of Kominternove village (92km south of Donetsk, 23km north-east of Mariupol) from “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled Zaichenko (90km south of Donetsk), escorted by armed “DPR” members and a Russian Federation representative of the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (accompanied by a media representative). There, the SMM started monitoring on foot and found three craters in an agricultural – not cultivated – field...

The SMM recorded 199 and 236 explosions on 15 and 16 October, respectively in Donetsk region. The SMM noted the security situation in areas of north-east and east of Mariupol remained volatile, which represented more than 50 per cent of all ceasefire violations recorded in the region on 16 October. In Luhansk region the SMM noted a higher level of violence both on 15 and 16 October (100 and 72 explosions, respectively, including explosions caused by artillery or mortar), compared with 14 October. The SMM continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; it was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas.* Shots impacting close to a patrol near Zolote forced the SMM to leave an observations post. The Mission followed up on reports of casualties and shelling. The Mission monitored the withdrawal of weapons and saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. The SMM continued to observe long queues at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line...

The SMM recorded more explosions in Donetsk region compared with the day before, the vast majority of which occurred in areas north-east of Mariupol. In Luhansk region fewer explosions were recorded compared with the day before. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; the SMM was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas.* The SMM observed the presence of weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. It monitored four border areas not under government control. The Mission monitored long queues of pedestrians at entry-exit checkpoints at Stanytsia Luhanska. It monitored the situation of internally displaced persons in Odessa...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period, most of which were concentrated in the Avdiivka/Yasynuvata area and areas north-east of Mariupol...

The SMM recorded relatively fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period, most of which were concentrated in the Avdiivka/Yasynuvata area and areas north-east of Mariupol...

The SMM recorded almost twice as many ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period, most of which occurred in the Donetsk-Avdiivka-Yasynuvata area, Horlivka, and areas north-east and east of Mariupol...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period, most of which occurred in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata-Donetsk airport area, Horlivka and Svitlodarsk, and north-east and east of Mariupol...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region on 22 October and fewer ceasefire violations on 23 October as compared with 21 October...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region on 24 October compared with 22 and 23 October. Violations centred mainly around Avdiivka and Svitlodarsk...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period, with many concentrated in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata area. In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with 24 October. The Mission observed the aftermath of ceasefire violations at Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, and in Zaitseve and Raivka. The SMM continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; it was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas. The Ukrainian and Russian Federation officers at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) failed to assist in ensuring security for the SMM.* The SMM observed weapons in violation of the withdrawal lines. The Mission noted long queues of pedestrians at entry-exit checkpoints in Stanytsia Luhanska. The SMM monitored the situation of civilians living on both sides of the contact line in Zaitseve and repairs to railway lines. It monitored two border areas not under government control. The SMM monitored the situation along the administration boundary line between the mainland and Crimea...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period, mostly in areas around Avdiivka-Yasynuvata and Svitlodarsk, as well as east and north-east of Mariupol...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period, mostly in areas around Horlivka, Avdiivka-Yasynuvata and Svitlodarsk, as well as east and north-east of Mariupol...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period, mostly in areas around Avdiivka-Yasynuvata-Donetsk airport and Svitlodarsk. In Luhansk region, the SMM also recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with the previous reporting period.

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations on 29 October compared with the day before, followed by a decrease on 30 October. In Luhansk region, the SMM also recorded more ceasefire violations on 29 October compared with the day before, and a decrease on 30 October. It followed up on reports of civilian casualties and shelling in Makiivka. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas.* Repairs to essential infrastructure in areas east of Mariupol, enabled by SMM facilitation and monitoring of adherence to the ceasefire, were interrupted by firing in the area. The SMM observed weapons in violation of the withdrawal lines. The SMM observed a march in Lviv...

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with 30 October, although it recorded over 40 explosions assessed as artillery rounds in Horlivka. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations (57 explosions assessed as artillery rounds) compared with 30 October. It continued to follow up on reports of civilian casualties in Makiivka. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas.* The SMM monitored a number of heavy weapons in violation of the respective withdrawal lines. It monitored five border areas currently not under government control. The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure...

On 16 January at 10:44hrs, an SMM patrol comprised of three monitors, one paramedic and one language assistant in two armoured vehicles arrived at a field in the vicinity of government-controlled Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk) – some 1.5km from the contact line – to conduct a general assessment of the damages to a gas pipeline...

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations compared with 31 October. Violations were observed in areas north-east of Mariupol and between Debaltseve and Svitlodarsk. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with 31 October. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas.* The SMM continued to follow up on reports of shelling. It monitored two border areas currently not under government control. The SMM monitored a peaceful protest in Kyiv...

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with the previous reporting period, with most of the violations recorded in areas east and north-east of Mariupol. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations compared with the previous day. The SMM followed up on reports of civilian casualties in Dokuchaievsk and shelling north of Sakhanka. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas.* It monitored two border areas currently not under government control. It monitored repair works to essential infrastructure. The SMM continued to monitor the situation of civilians at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line. In Kyiv the Mission monitored two protests in front of the Russian Federation Embassy...

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations compared with the previous reporting period, with most of the violations recorded around Debaltseve and in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata-Donetsk airport area. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations but fewer explosions compared with the previous day. The SMM followed up on reports of shelling and damage to civilian infrastructure on the eastern outskirts of Mariupol, in Pikuzy, in Troitske, and damage to a school in Stanytsia Luhanska.

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region compared with the previous reporting period. The Mission observed damage caused by shelling in government-controlled Vynohradne. It continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and was restricted in its movement in the three areas.* The SMM monitored the withdrawal of weapons. The Mission observed military presence in areas frequented by civilians. The SMM monitored gatherings outside courts in Kyiv and Odessa.

In Donetsk region the SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations on 5 November compared to the previous day and fewer during the reporting period covering 6 November. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations on 5 November than the previous day and more during the reporting period covering 6 November than on either of the previous two days. The Mission observed damage caused by shelling on both sides of the contact line and followed up on reports of civilian casualties in Donetsk city and Avdiivka. It continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and was restricted in its movement in all three areas.* The SMM monitored the withdrawal of weapons and observed the presence of unexploded ordnance on both sides of the contact line. It monitored a border area currently not under government control.

In Donetsk region the SMM recorded an increase of ceasefire violations compared with 6 November, including the use of multiple-launch-rocket systems. The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with 6 November in Luhansk region. The Mission observed damage caused by shelling on both sides of the contact line and followed up on reports of civilian casualties in Krasnohorivka. It continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and was restricted in its movement in all three areas.* The SMM monitored the withdrawal of weapons and observed the presence of weapons in violation on both sides of the contact line. It monitored a border area currently not under government control...

The SMM recorded a higher number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region compared with the previous reporting period...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous reporting period. The Mission followed up on reports of civilian casualties in Toretsk, Marinka and Zoria. It observed damage caused by shelling in Marinka, Irmino, and Novotoshkivske. In Verkhnoshyrokivske shelling occurred near the SMM. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske, and faced restriction of its freedom of movement in all three areas.* The SMM observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure co-ordinated by the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination. In Luhansk region, the Mission visited two border areas currently not under government control and one border area under government control...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous reporting period; however, the overall level of explosions remained high with over 800 and 200 in both regions, respectively. The Mission followed up on reports of damage from shelling in a residential area of government-controlled Troitske and an industrial area of “LPR”-controlled Almazna. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote, and Petrivske, and faced restriction of its freedom of movement in all three areas.* At the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, the SMM followed up on reports of gunfire forcing civilians to take cover. A soldier handled a grenade without the safety pin in the presence of the SMM in Stanytsia Luhanska. The SMM monitored the withdrawal of heavy weapons. In Luhansk region, the Mission visited one border area currently not under government control...