Daily and spot reports from the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine

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

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

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 noted an increase in violence recorded in Donetsk region on both 17 and 18 September, including 246 and 322 explosions respectively, compared with 39 explosions recorded on 16 September...

The SMM noted a calmer security situation in Donetsk region, including 39 explosions compared with 425 during the previous reporting period...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region including 425 explosions compared with the previous reporting period (670 explosions). The SMM observed no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. It observed damage to civilian infrastructure in Donetsk region and facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line. The SMM observed the presence of unexploded ordnance and also followed up on an uncontrolled detonation near Stanytsia Luhanska bridge...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period...

At 11:29 (EET) on 14 September, while stationary at an “LPR” checkpoint south of the bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk), the SMM saw and heard what was assessed as an uncontrolled detonation in a forested area approximately 100 metres to the north-west, on the northern side of the river...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period...

The SMM recorded a decrease in ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with 11 September...

The SMM recorded a sharp increase of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region on both 10 and 11 September, including 515 and 116 explosions respectively, compared with 36 explosions recorded in the previous period...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations both in Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous reporting period...

The SMM recorded an increase in ceasefire violations, but a decrease in explosions in Donetsk region, 63 compared with 139 explosions in the previous reporting period...

The number of explosions recorded by the SMM in Donetsk region more than doubled (139) compared with the previous reporting period (62 explosions)...

The SMM recorded a higher number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as confirmed the death of a woman from shelling in Shchastia on 30 August...

At 22:49 (EET) on 6 September the security guard of the SMM office located in central Ivano-Frankivsk noted on the CCTV camera that an SMM vehicle (Nissan Patrol) in the parking lot was on fire and called the fire brigade...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region on 5 September, with five recorded explosions compared to 43 during the previous day...

The power to the SMM’s camera at the Oktiabr mine in Donetsk had been cut off and auxiliary equipment had been stolen...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region (three explosions compared with 18) and also in Luhansk region (one explosion compared with eight) compared with the previous reporting period. The SMM followed up on reports of civilian injuries, conducted crater analysis in Shchastia and Kamianka, and observed damage from shelling to civilian infrastructure. The SMM monitored three border crossing areas, in Zhovtneve, Petrivka and Uspenka, and visited schools on both sides of the contact line. The SMM encountered impediments to its freedom of movement, including threats of violence against SMM members, all in areas outside of government control. The SMM continued to monitor a calm situation al ong the administrative boundary line between the mainland and Crimea. The SMM observed clashes between protestors and the dispersal of a public gathering in Odessa...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region (18 explosions compared with 95 on 31 August) and also in Luhansk region...

The SMM recorded substantially fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region (95 explosions compared with 520 on 30 August) but a much higher number of violations in Luhansk region (155 explosions compared with ten on 30 August). The SMM evacuated its forward patrol base in Shchastia during the night of 30 August due to mortar rounds assessed as landing close to its base; the SMM returned to the base during the day of 31 August. The SMM followed up on reports of civilian casualties and observed numerous cases of damage to civilian property when conducting shelling assessments in Krasnohorivka, Horlivka, Lobacheve, Raivka, Irmino, and Novooleksandrivka. The SMM continued to observe heavy weapons missing from storage locations in government- and non-government-controlled areas. The SMM also monitored the results of shelling on and military personnel in proximity of schools. The SMM continued to monitor a calm situation along the administrative boundary line between the Ukrainian mainland and Crimea...

In Donetsk region, the SMM noted an increase in the number of explosions recorded (approximately 520) compared with the previous reporting period (nearly 400). In Luhansk region, the SMM heard ten explosions and approximately 500 bursts of small-arms fire, an increase compared with the previous day when not a single ceasefire violation was recorded. On the night of 30 August, the SMM was forced to leave its forward patrol base in Shchastia due to the close proximity of shelling. It followed up on reports of civilian casualties and analysed craters in Donetsk city, Dokuchaievsk, Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove), Pervomaisk, Troitske, and Krasnohorivka. The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons and observed weapons in violation of the withdrawal lines in government-controlled Vodiane. The Mission faced two restrictions to its freedom of movement, both in areas not controlled by the Government.* It observed a calm situation along the administrative boundary line with Crimea...

Between 20:55 and 21:00 on 30 August, whilst at the SMM forward patrol base in government-controlled Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk), an SMM patrol comprising five SMM staff members and a paramedic heard four shots of under-barrel-grenade-launcher (GP-25) fire approximately 1km south of their position...

In Donetsk region, the SMM noted a relative decrease in the number of explosions recorded (nearly 400) compared with 28 August (nearly 1,000). In Luhansk region, the SMM neither registered ceasefire violations during the night of 28 August nor the daytime of 29 August. It followed up on reports of civilian casualties and analysed craters in Petrovskyi district, Yasynuvata, Horlivka, and Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove). The SMM observed preparations for the start of the school year. The Mission visited two border areas not controlled by the Government. It faced four restrictions to its freedom of movement, all but one in areas not controlled by the Government.* The Mission observed a calm situation along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The SMM monitored public gatherings in Kyiv...

The SMM recorded more explosions in Donetsk region on both 27 and 28 August compared with the previous reporting period.

The SMM recorded fewer explosions in Donetsk region on 26 August (at least 406) compared with the previous reporting period (over 543). The SMM also recorded significantly fewer explosions in Luhansk region (at least eight) compared with the previous day (nearly 200). It followed up on reports of civilian casualties and analysed craters on both sides of the contact line, in Donetsk city, Kostiantynivka, Stanytsia Luhanska, Marinka and Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove). The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons and noted the presence of armoured combat vehicles and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the security zone. The SMM monitored the situation of civilians travelling across the contact line at Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, and two border areas not controlled by the Government. It faced two denials to its freedom of movement.* The Mission observed a calm situation along the administrative boundary line with Crimea and observed three public gatherings in Kyiv and the cancellation of a public hearing at the city council in Odessa...

The SMM recorded more explosions in Donetsk region on 25 August (at least 543) compared with 24 August (over 350). In Luhansk region the SMM recorded a similar number of explosions compared with the previous day. It conducted crater analysis in Molodizhne, Petrovskyi district and Hannivka. The Mission facilitated repairs to essential infrastructure in Obozne and Shchastia. The SMM monitored three border areas not controlled by the Government.* It faced two freedom-of-movement restrictions in areas not controlled by the Government. The Mission observed a calm situation along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The SMM also followed up on reports of an explosion at an administrative building in Bila Tserkva...

The SMM observed a significant decrease in the number of explosions recorded in Donetsk region on 23 August (approximately 170) compared with 22 August (531), although the number of recorded explosions doubled on 24 August (over 350) compared with the previous day. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded twice as many explosions on 23 August (over 140) and thrice as many explosions on 24 August (over 200) compared with 22 August (60). The Mission observed ceasefire violations involving proscribed weapons in close proximity of its positions in Yasynuvata and Stanytsia Luhanska. The SMM conducted crater analysis and observed the results of shelling on both sides of the contact line, in Popasna, Hranitne, Solodke, Petrovskyi district, Novooleksandrivka, Stanytsia Luhanska, Avdiivka, Krasnohorivka, and Krymske. The SMM faced four freedom-of-movement restrictions, all but one in areas not controlled by the Government. The Mission continued to observe a calm situation along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The SMM also monitored celebrations marking Independence Day which were held on 24 August...

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and an increase in the number recorded in Luhansk region.

At 14:28 on 22 August, an SMM patrol comprising four SMM staff members and a paramedic in two vehicles was stopped by three armed men at a checkpoint in “DPR”-controlled Lukove (72km south of Donetsk). One of them demanded in a hostile manner to search the SMM vehicles...

The SMM observed an increase in the number of explosions recorded in Donetsk region both on 20 August (over 430) and 21 August (over 540) compared to 19 August. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded more explosions (over 250) on 20 August and fewer explosions on 21 August (over 30) compared to 19 August. On two consecutive days, the Mission heard small-arms fire in close vicinity of its positions – in Novooleksandrivka and Novozvanivka respectively – while conducting mini-UAV flights. The SMM conducted crater analysis and observed the results of shelling on both sides of the contact line, in Marinka, Svitlodarsk, Hranitne, Pervomaiske, Veselohorivka, Komyshuvakha, Petrovskyi district, Yasynuvata, and Stanytsia Luhanska. The SMM monitored long queues at entry-exit checkpoint in Zaitseve/Horlivka and at Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, and facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable demining work and repairs at the bridge. The Mission monitored five border areas not controlled by the Government and continued to observe a calm situation along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The SMM faced five freedom-of-movement restrictions, all in areas not controlled by the Government...

On 20 August at 16:44, as the SMM was landing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk) it heard at least five bursts of small-arms fire (possibly AK), from a wooded area approximately 50m to the west. On hearing the gunfire, four monitors operating the UAV, who were standing between the two SMM vehicles (positioned 60m apart), immediately lay flat on the ground and crawled back to the vehicles before rapidly leaving the area (all within a two-minute period). One SMM paramedic remained in one of the vehicles during the incident. No one was injured and no damage was caused to SMM vehicles or the UAV...

The SMM observed a decrease in the number of explosions (366) recorded in Donetsk region compared with the previous day (450). In Luhansk region the SMM recorded nearly eight times fewer explosions (89) compared to the previous day (700). The SMM carried out crater analysis and observed the results of shelling on both sides of the contact line, in Myrne Stanytsia Luhanska, Styla and Horlivka. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons. The SMM monitored the situation of civilians travelling across the contact line at Stanytsia Luhanska bridge and facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure and the hand-over of a body. The Mission monitored four border areas not controlled by the Government and continued to observe a calm situation along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The SMM faced one freedom-of-movement restriction in an area not controlled by the Government...

The SMM observed a decrease in the number of explosions (450) recorded in Donetsk region compared with the previous day. In Luhansk region the SMM observed an increase in the number of explosions (700) recorded compared with the day before. The SMM carried out crater analysis and observed the results of shelling on both sides of the contact line in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, and observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line. The Mission monitored three border areas not controlled by the Government, faced restrictions at one and was denied access to another. The SMM continued to observe a calm situation along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The SMM faced four freedom-of-movement restrictions, three of them in areas not controlled by the Government...

The SMM observed an increase in the number of ceasefire violations and the number of explosions recorded in Donetsk region, particularly in the area between Yasynuvata, Avdiivka and the northern outskirts of Donetsk city, as well as the south-western outskirts of Donetsk city. In Luhansk region all ceasefire violations recorded by the SMM were assessed as being part of a live-fire training exercise. The SMM carried out crater analysis and observed the results of shelling on both sides of the contract line in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, and observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line. It also observed the presence of unexploded ordnance. The Mission monitored three border areas not controlled by the Government and observed a helicopter flying in a border area on two occasions while positioned in government-controlled areas. The SMM continued to assess the situation as calm along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The SMM faced seven freedom-of-movement restrictions, six of them in areas not controlled by the Government...

The SMM observed a continued high number of explosions recorded in Donetsk region, and noted continued fighting in the area of Yasynuvata-Avdiivka, including MLRS Grad rocket fire. There was an increase in the number of explosions recorded in Luhansk region compared with the previous day. The SMM carried out crater analysis and observed the results of shelling on both sides of the contract line in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, and observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. The SMM continued to assess the situation as calm along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The SMM faced one freedom-of-movement restriction in “LPR”-controlled areas. The Mission monitored one border area not controlled by the Government...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In Donetsk region the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared to the previous day. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations than during the previous day. The Mission followed up on civilian casualties in Kurakhove, and observed craters in and around Krasnohorivka, Svitlodarsk, Bohdanivka, Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove), Sakhanka and Horlivka. It noted the presence of tanks and towed howitzers at training areas, observed the presence of new mine signs and facilitated repair work to essential infrastructure. The SMM noted long lines at an entry-exit checkpoint near the contact line in Olenivka and monitored three border areas not controlled by the Government. The Mission observed a public gathering in Kyiv and monitored the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). It faced two freedom-of-movement restrictions...

In Donetsk region the SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations during the daytime of 6 August and a lower number of violations during the night of that day, compared to the respective time period of 5 August. An increase in the number of recorded violations was noted during the daytime of 7 August with almost triple the number of explosions as compared to the previous period. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in the daytime of 6 August compared to the day before. No violations were recorded during the night of 6 August and the whole day of 7 August. The Mission followed up on civilian casualties in Avdiivka, Donetsk city’s Petrovskyi district and Yasynuvata, and conducted crater analysis in Petrovskyi district, Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove) and Sakhanka. It faced six freedom-of-movement restrictions, all but one in areas not controlled by the Government. The SMM followed up on media reports about the closure of the three crossing points at the administrative boundary line between Kherson region and Crimea. On the morning of 6 August, the SMM heard an explosion 3.9km east of its location in Luhansk city and saw a severely damaged vehicle at the scene. On the late morning of 7 August, the SMM experienced an earthquake whilst in its location in Mariupol...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared to the previous day. The Mission recorded a significant level of fighting during the night of 5-6 August in Donetsk region. The SMM analysed craters in Krasnohorivka, Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove) and Sakhanka. It observed weapons in violation of the withdrawal lines in government-controlled areas. The Mission noted the absence of 12 towed howitzers from permanent storage sites in “LPR”-controlled areas. It faced four freedom-of-movement restrictions, all in areas not controlled by the Government. The SMM received concrete responses to recent incidents by the Ukrainian Armed Forces representative at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination, but no such information regarding incidents that took place in areas not controlled by the Government...

On 6 August at 07:51hrs the SMM heard an explosion approximately 3.9km east of its location in Luhansk city...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared to the day before including more than 520 explosions. In Luhansk region the SMM noted a decrease in recorded ceasefire violations compared to the previous day. On the night of 4 August, the SMM heard single shots of small-arms fire in close proximity to its base in Kadiivka (formerly Stakhanov). The SMM analysed craters in Zaitseve, Luhanske and Novozvanivka. It observed weapons in violation of the withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line, and noted the absence of numerous weapons from permanent storage sites in government-controlled areas. The SMM followed up on reports of water and power supply cuts in areas of Avdiivka and Yasynuvata due to shelling. It faced four freedom-of-movement restrictions – two in government-controlled areas and two in areas not controlled by the Government...

The SMM noted a similar number of ceasefire violations recorded in Donetsk region compared to the day before. In Luhansk region the SMM noted an increase in recorded ceasefire violations compared to the previous day, with many concentrated around government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska and Trokhizbenka. The SMM analysed craters in Stanytsia Luhanska, Pobeda and Hnutove. It observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles and anti-tank missiles in the security zone. The SMM followed up on reports of civilian and military casualties. The SMM continued to observe queues at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line. It monitored border areas not controlled by the Government and encountered one restriction. It faced another freedom-of-movement restriction, also in an area not controlled by the Government...

The SMM noted a decrease in the number of ceasefire violations recorded in Donetsk region compared to the day before. In Luhansk the SMM noted an increase in recorded ceasefire violations on the day before, with many concentrated around “LPR”-controlled Kadiivka (formerly Stakhanov). A peaceful protest was held outside the SMM’s base in Kadiivka. Later, at the same location, the SMM heard bursts of small-arms fire in the vicinity of their base and saw an individual running from the area. An armed man at a known Ukrainian Armed Forces position threatened the SMM at gunpoint in Lobacheve. The SMM analysed craters on both sides of the contact line. It observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. “LPR” members prevented the SMM from monitoring in border areas...