Daily and spot reports from the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine

The SMM observed an increase in the number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region as compared to the previous three days, mainly at and around Donetsk airport and Debaltseve. In Luhansk region, recorded ceasefire violations were training related. The SMM’s freedom of movement was restricted on four occasions in areas not controlled by the Government.* The Mission followed up on media reports about damage to a World War II monument in Kharkiv and an alleged seizure of a church in Rivne. In Kyiv, the Mission observed a public gathering by groups commemorating the beginning of the confrontations on Maidan in 2014 and its victims...

The SMM observed relative calm with only a small number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk region. “LPR” members prevented the SMM from travelling to Chervonyi Zhovten, near the border area. The Mission continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs of critical infrastructure in Donetsk region. It observed an 82mm mortar set-up on the outskirts of “DPR”-controlled Donetsk city...

Whilst areas at and around Donetsk airport remained largely calm with one ceasefire violation recorded, the SMM continued to note violations elsewhere, in particular around Horlivka and Kominternove. The situation in Luhansk region remained relatively calm, with no ceasefire violations observed. The Mission experienced a freedom-of-movement restriction in Kominternove, where “DPR” members prevented it from observing alleged damage caused by shelling at a civilian house and conducting crater analysis...

On 5 February, the SMM followed up on the shelling which reportedly struck the Kirovskyi district in Donetsk city on 4 February from 11:40 to 11:45hrs. The same shelling salvo reportedly hit the direct surrounding of the Kindergarten No. 381, a neighbouring street near the Kindergarten and Donetsk Hospital No. 27. The SMM inspected the three aforementioned different sites located in the Kirovskyi district on 5 February between 10:00 and 15:00hrs.

Whilst areas at and around Donetsk airport remained largely calm, the SMM continued to note ceasefire violations elsewhere, in particular in areas north-east of Mariupol, and around Horlivka. An SMM patrol came under small-arms fire in Marinka. The Mission experienced multiple freedom-of-movement restrictions, mainly in areas not controlled by the Government...

A number of ceasefire violations were recorded in Donetsk and Luhansk. The Mission facilitated the delivery of urgently needed haemodialysis equipment for patients in Horlivka hospital no.2. The SMM observed damage to houses in Kominternove and was prevented from entering a building and adjacent yard in the village by “DPR” members. An SMM unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was damaged by small-arms fire in Luhansk region...

At approximately 18:15hrs and 22:45hrs on 27 January, the SMM, based in Luhansk city centre (“Lugansk People’s Republic” –“LPR”-controlled), heard intensive incoming shelling and impact explosions about 5km west of its location. On 28 January, upon receipt of information about shelling from the Russian Federation Armed Forces staff, assigned to the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) in Luhansk city, the SMM departed to the south-western suburbs of the city at 10:30hrs.

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In particular, the Mission noted continued shelling in Horlivka, and a significant number of ceasefire violations in the outskirts of Kominternove. In Luhansk region, the SMM observed fresh craters assessed to have been caused by mortar fire. The Mission continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repair of critical infrastructure...

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations in the Donbas, including at and around Donetsk airport, and close to Horlivka. The Mission received from the Ukrainian authorities additional baseline information related to the withdrawal of heavy weapons, including withdrawal locations. The SMM did not experience any concrete freedom-of-movement restrictions in the Donbas. The Mission visited Kominternove, and a border area not controlled by the Government...

The SMM observed a calm situation in most parts of Donbas, including at and around Donetsk airport, but recorded numerous ceasefire violations close to Horlivka. The Mission found a number of previously-observed weapons missing from a Ukrainian Armed Forces heavy weapons holding area. It experienced numerous freedom-of-movement restrictions* in areas not controlled by the Government, in particular in areas in and around Kominternove...

On 30 January at 12:23hrs, the “emergency services department” of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”) informed the SMM that two shelling incidents had just taken place in Donetsk city at “DPR”-controlled Kuibyshevskyi district...

The SMM observed over 20 ceasefire violations involving the use of mortar, all in the wider area of Kominternove, but no ceasefire violations in the area of Donetsk airport. All ceasefire violations in Luhansk region were assessed as live-fire exercises. The Mission saw armed men in Kominternove and spoke to residents. The SMM followed up on casualties from alleged exchange of fire in Zaitseve on 9 January. The SMM followed up on tensions between religious communities in western Ukraine and monitored a peaceful commemoration in Odessa...

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations, mainly around Donetsk airport, in Horlivka and in the wider area of Kominternove. In particular, there was a significant increase in the number of explosions observed in Horlivka. The Mission liaised with both sides of the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination to facilitate adherence to the ceasefire and evacuate an injured woman in Zaitseve. For the first time in over a month, the SMM had access to the border area of Sverdlovsk, where it observed a calm situation...

The SMM observed a generally calm situation throughout Donbas, with the exception of Horlivka and Telmanove, where it observed multiple ceasefire violations. In Luhansk region, the Mission observed live-fire training exercises in many areas not controlled by the Government...

The SMM observed relative calm with a small number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions and no ceasefire violations in the area near Donetsk airport. In Horlivka, armed “DPR” members temporarily held SMM monitors, and forced them to the ground at gunpoint. In areas not controlled by the Government, the SMM was denied access on five occasions and was granted conditional access at one occasion...

At approximately 09:15hrs on 24 January, the SMM in government-controlled Mariupol heard at its location incoming massed Multi-Launch Rocket System (MLRS) attacks from a north-east direction, consisting of an extremely heavy barrage lasting 35 seconds. Twenty minutes later the SMM received information from the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) in Mariupol and other sources, that shelling had occurred in the area of Olimpiiska Street, in Ordzhonikidzevskyi district, 8.5 km north-east of Mariupol city centre, approximately 400 metres from a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint...

The SMM observed relative calm with a small number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. “DPR” members restricted the SMM’s movements during a patrol to Kominternove. The SMM observed weapons missing from storage sites and weapons in use at training areas...

In Donetsk region, the SMM observed a small number of ceasefire violations, most of which were recorded around Donetsk airport. In Luhansk region, the SMM registered mortar shelling. The SMM was again denied access to Kominternove, from the east and south-west*. The SMM followed-up on reports of tensions between religious communities in western Ukraine and the creation of a self-defence force in Kherson...

At 08:40hrs on 22 January, the “Emergency Services Department” of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”) informed the SMM of an alleged shelling incident – involving multiple fatalities – at 42 Kuprina Street, 4.4km south-south-west of city-centre Donetsk.

In Donetsk region, the SMM observed a small number of ceasefire violations– all but one were recorded around Donetsk airport. In Luhansk region, the SMM did not observe any ceasefire violations for the second consecutive day. In Kominternove and surrounding areas, the SMM observed a calm situation. The SMM experienced six freedom-of-movement restrictions, including denial of access to Kominternove from the east and to border areas not controlled by the Government*. The Ukrainian Armed Forces prevented the SMM from flying an SMM UAV...

The SMM observed a relative calm with only a small number of ceasefire violations recorded in Donetsk region and in Luhansk region. The SMM was able to reach Kominternove and observed craters that residents said had been caused on 31 December. “LPR” members in an area north of Troitske threatened to shoot the SMM if they did not leave the area. “LPR” members prevented the SMM from travelling towards the Izvaryne and Dolzhanskyi border crossing points. “DPR” members refused the SMM access to the village of Oktiabr on three successive days. The SMM observed that a pylon on the Kakhovka–Titan power line that had been felled on 30 December had been replaced by 3 January. Marches commemorating the birthday of Stepan Bandera were observed by the SMM throughout the country...

The SMM observed ceasefire violations in limited locations in Donetsk region. In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded no firing incidents except one controlled denotation. The SMM attempted, unsuccessfully, to reach Kominternove in order to observe the security situation in the village. The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable infrastructure repairs...

The SMM observed ceasefire violations in southern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The SMM visited the area of Kominternove to monitor the security situation. The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs of critical infrastructure. The SMM observed farmers’ protests in Kherson and Chernivtsi region...

At approximately 14:35hrs on 13 January the regional traffic police confirmed to the SMM that a Grad rocket struck close to a civilian bus when it stopped at a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint approximately 2km north of Volnovakha (35km south-west of Donetsk)...

The SMM observed ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. An SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (mini-UAV) was caught in small-arms fire. The SMM revisited Kominternove to follow up on reports about the presence of armed persons in the village. The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs of critical infrastructure...

The SMM observed ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In Donetsk region, the SMM saw and heard the use of mortars. The SMM reached Kominternove several days in a row to follow up on reports about the presence of armed persons in the village and the situation of the residents, but its access was restricted*. The SMM encountered other restrictions to its freedom of movement and security incidents. The SMM reached parts of the international border in Luhansk region not controlled by the Government...

The SMM observed fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared to previous days. In Luhansk region, the SMM saw and heard the use of a multiple launch rocket system. The SMM again attempted, unsuccessfully, to reach Kominternove* in order to follow up on reports about the presence of armed persons in the village. The SMM encountered other restrictions to its freedom of movement...

The SMM observed an increase in the number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared to previous days. Crater analysis conducted by the SMM indicated the use of multiple launch rocket systems in Donetsk region. The SMM encountered restrictions to its freedom of movement, including at a heavy weapons holding area. The SMM attempted to reach Kominternove in order to follow up on reports about the presence of armed persons in the village...

The SMM recorded a low number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region – mostly around Horlivka – and only one instance in Luhansk region. It experienced no specific freedom-of-movement restrictions during the reporting period. The SMM observed high numbers of people crossing the contact line, mostly into areas controlled by the Government...

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The SMM also observed fresh craters and impact of shelling in Donetsk region. It encountered restrictions to its freedom of movement, including to a border area not controlled by the Government. The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor the demining and repair of power lines in Luhansk region...

The SMM observed ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including the use of multiple-launch rockets systems and mortars. In Luhansk region, the SMM was prevented to reach the border in an area outside the control of the Government. The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor the repairs of a water pipeline in Donetsk region.

The SMM observed an increase in ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared to previous days*. The SMM encountered restrictions to its freedom of movement, including to a border area not controlled by the Government. The SMM continued to facilitate the enabling of repairs between government and non-government-controlled areas in Donetsk region. In Kyiv the SMM observed a 2,000-participants-strong protest...

The SMM recorded a low number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region. It experienced freedom-of-movement restrictions in areas not controlled by the Government...

The SMM recorded a low number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. It experienced freedom-of-movement restrictions in areas not controlled by the Government. The SMM spoke to medical personnel in Horlivka City Hospital No. 2, where it heard that medication for dialysis patients will run out by 1 January 2016...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations than on previous days in Donetsk and Luhansk regions*. The SMM revisited permanent weapons storage sites on both sides of the contact line in relation to the implementation of the Addendum of the Package of Measures. The SMM facilitated and monitored repairs to water and electricity infrastructure. The SMM observed the distribution of humanitarian aid in Luhansk region...

The SMM recorded ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk*. The SMM revisited Ukrainian Armed Forces sites in relation to the implementation of the Addendum of the Package of Measures. The SMM followed up on reports that an explosion had killed a prominent Cossack “Lugansk People’s Republic” member. The SMM observed civilians without public utilities on both sides of the contact line...

The SMM recorded an increased number of ceasefire violations compared to the previous day, with the majority assessed as training related. It experienced four freedom-of-movement restrictions, mainly in areas not controlled by the Government*. The SMM followed up on security-related matters in Odessa, Kharkiv and Ivano-Frankivsk...

The SMM recorded significantly fewer ceasefire violations compared to previous days this week, most of which were assessed as related to live-fire exercises. It experienced a number of freedom-of-movement restrictions but it did reach border areas not controlled by the Government*. It conducted crater analysis and assessed that most craters were fresh and caused by 122mm multiple launch rocket systems impacts...

The SMM recorded a number of ceasefire violations, mostly near Donetsk airport. It experienced a number of freedom-of-movement restrictions but it did reach border areas not controlled by the Government...

The SMM recorded an increasing number of ceasefire violations around Donetsk airport. In Luhansk region, all explosions and gunfire heard were assessed as activities related to training or demining. The SMM followed up on reports of resumption of power supply across the administrative boundary line between Kherson and Crimea. Its freedom of movement was restricted six times on both side of the contact line, resulting, in one instance, in the inability to reach the areas alongside the international border and border crossing points in areas not controlled by the Government*...

The SMM recorded a number of ceasefire violations, including the use of Addendum-proscribed weapons. It noted partial compliance in relation to the withdrawal of prohibited weapons from the security zone and observed the developments regarding the restoration of power supply to Crimea.

The SMM recorded a sharp spike in ceasefire violations on 6 December. It continued to note partial compliance in relation to the withdrawal of prohibited weapons from the security zone. It observed the presence of mines and UXO in several locations, with one of its patrol vehicles sustaining slight damage when a device exploded close to it..

An SMM patrol of two armoured vehicles was caught up in small arms crossfire directed at Ukrainian military vehicles at the Donetsk International Airport. No injuries to SMM personnel or damage to SMM vehicles were caused...

The SMM recorded a relatively low number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, some of which were assessed to be training activities...

The SMM recorded ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, some of which were assessed to be training activities...

The SMM recorded some explosions in Donetsk region, including in the area around Donetsk airport, and small-arms fire in Luhansk region. Its freedom of movement was restricted four times in areas not controlled by the Government, resulting, in one instance, in not being able to reach the respective border regions...

An SMM patrol of two vehicles was stopped and threatened by “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”) forces in Pyschevyk (23km North-East of Mariupol city, located in the security zone).

The SMM recorded some small-arms fire and explosions in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including in the area around Donetsk airport...

The SMM noted a calm situation around Donetsk airport with the exception of one firing incident observed on the outskirts of the airport. The SMM registered several explosions, heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire in limited locations.

The SMM noted a calm situation around Donetsk airport except one incident where the SMM observed shell damaged houses in a north-western suburb of Donetsk city, close to the airport. The SMM registered several explosions, heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire in a number of other locations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions...