Daily and spot reports from the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine

On 31 August beginning at 09:00hrs, the SMM monitored protests in front of the national Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) building in Kyiv. Some 3,000 persons (male and female of all ages) carrying “Svoboda”, “Radical Party” and “Ukrop” flags were protesting against constitutional amendments that were being voted on inside the Parliament. The event was initially peaceful and orderly with no signs of unrest...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM noted a marked decrease in fighting in Donetsk and in Luhansk over 29 and 30 August. On both sides of the contact line the SMM observed schools being repaired in preparation for the start of the school year.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. Ceasefire violations were recorded in numerous locations. The SMM observed damage caused by shelling and conducted several crater analyses in Donetsk and Luhansk regions...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed damage caused by shelling and conducted crater analyses in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In Donetsk there was a significant increase in ceasefire violations compared to the previous day...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM facilitated a local ceasefire that allowed for gas pipeline repairs in the Luhansk region...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations. An increase in ceasefire violations was observed in Donetsk and in Luhansk. The SMM facilitated a localised ceasefire that allowed a team to conduct gas pipeline repairs in Luhansk. The SMM conducted crater analysis in Horlivka and Sopyne...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. Ceasefire violations were recorded in numerous locations without a significant increase in its number. The SMM observed damage caused by shelling and conducted several crater analyses in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The SMM also monitored celebrations for Independence Day which were held across the country on 24 August...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed a decrease in ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport. The SMM observed peaceful ceremonies on the occasion of the Day of the National Flag of Ukraine.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed a decrease in ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport and a calm situation in the area east of Mariupol. The SMM did not record any ceasefire violations in the Luhansk region. The SMM observed damage caused by shelling and conducted crater analysis in several locations.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM monitored the situation on the administrative boundary line with Crimea at Chonhar crossing point...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The number of ceasefire violations observed at and around Donetsk airport decreased. The overall situation in Luhansk remained relatively tense with a similar level of ceasefire violations observed in comparison with the previous day. The SMM observed damage caused by shelling and conducted crater analyses in several locations...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed a decrease in ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport and a tense situation east of Mariupol. In the Luhansk region the SMM observed sporadic ceasefire violations and conducted crater analysis in several locations. The SMM observed long lines of civilian vehicles queuing to cross the line of contact in both directions.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. Ceasefire violations were recorded in numerous locations. The SMM verified a number of civilian casualties on both sides of the contact line...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. Ceasefire violations were recorded by the SMM in numerous locations, especially at and around Donetsk airport. A significant increase in ceasefire violations was observed in government-controlled areas north-west of Luhansk. The SMM observed damage caused by shelling and conducted several crater analyses in Donetsk and Luhansk regions...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed damage caused by shelling and conducted several crater analyses. The SMM’s UAVs were jammed both over government-controlled and “DPR”-controlled areas.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations. Ceasefire violations were recorded by the SMM in numerous locations. The SMM facilitated a ceasefire in Luhansk that enabled water repairs to be completed. The SMM monitored the situation in areas close to Starohnativka...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties – with its UAV experiencing severe jamming – and security considerations. Ceasefire violations were recorded in numerous locations, especially at and around Donetsk airport...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed an increase in ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport and in the general area of Starohnativka. In the Luhansk region, the SMM observed sporadic ceasefire violations and conducted crater analysis in several locations. The SMM facilitated ceasefires, which enabled the continuation of water pipeline repairs in the Donetsk region, and the works were successfully completed in one area.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The overall situation at and around Donetsk airport remained tense. The SMM observed a significant increase in ceasefire violations in areas east and north of Mariupol, particularly in the wider area of Starohnativka...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed continued ceasefire violations at and around the Donetsk airport and at various locations along the contact line in the Luhansk region, and noted a number of indications of renewed violence in the Shyrokyne area. Four SMM vehicles were destroyed by fire in Donetsk. A demonstration took place in front of the SMM office in Luhansk.

At approximately 02:25hrs on 9 August, the SMM observed that four OSCE armoured vehicles parked outside the residence of SMM monitors in Donetsk city were on fire. At 02:33hrs, the SMM heard four loud bursts, most probably as a result of tires of the armoured vehicles exploding. By 03:22hrs, the firefighters managed to extinguish the fire. The SMM noted that three of its vehicles were completely destroyed, one vehicle heavily damaged and three other vehicles partially damaged by the heat from the fire. SMM monitors were not injured and no damage to other OSCE vehicles was observed...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The overall security situation at and around Donetsk airport was tense. In Luhansk region, the SMM did not observe ceasefire violations and conducted crater analysis in several locations. SMM facilitated ceasefires enabled the continuation of water pipelines repair in Donetsk region...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. There was a significant increase in ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport. An SMM-facilitated ceasefire enabled the continuation of work to repair water pipelines in Donetsk region. Some 300 people protested in front of the hotel of SMM monitors in Donetsk city...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations.* The SMM continued to facilitate local ceasefires in the Donetsk region enabling repair works for water pipelines...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM facilitated a local ceasefire that enabled workers to repair water pipelines in Donetsk region. A meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group working group on security ended without agreement on weapons withdrawal plans...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by parties and security considerations*. In Spartak, the SMM facilitated a local ceasefire for repair works to the water pipeline. In Kharkiv, armed individuals attacked a building associated with the Opposition Bloc...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed damage caused by shelling in Horlivka, Kurdiumivka and in Kodema and conducted crater analysis...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.” Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The overall security situation at and around Donetsk airport was tense. The situation in Mariupol was calm. In Luhansk region, the SMM did not record any ceasefire violations...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM conducted crater analysis in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, after shelling impacted civilians and residential buildings. The SMM met with two persons being held at a pre-trial detention centre in Kyiv following their arrest at a checkpoint in the Donetsk region. An SMM patrol was threatened by an armed “DPR” member east of Mariupol.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM noted an increase in ceasefire violations at and around the Donetsk airport...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations, particularly so following recent security incidents*. The SMM noted a relatively calm situation at and around the Donetsk airport...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The SMM continued to observe ceasefire violations at and around the Donetsk airport. The SMM was caught in a fire exchange in Shyrokyne...

At 11:15hrs on 27 July, an SMM patrol comprised of two vehicles entered Shyrokyne (100km south of Donetsk, 20km east of Mariupol)...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.” Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. Ceasefire violations in and around Donetsk city and at the Donetsk airport decreased on 26 July compared to 25 July. The security situation in Mariupol remained calm. Ceasefire violations increased in Luhansk region compared to previous days. An SMM patrol was caught in fire in Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk) but came out unharmed...

At approximately 12:40hrs on 26 July, an SMM patrol comprised of two vehicles was caught in mortar and automatic grenade launcher fire while trying to cross the contact line from the “Lugansk People’s Republic” (“LPR”)-controlled side of Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk) to the government-controlled side. This crossing had been agreed and co-ordinated beforehand with both the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the “LPR”.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. Fighting continued at and around Donetsk airport and in areas to the east and north-east of Mariupol. The SMM observed weapons’ movements in “Lugansk People’s Republic”- and in government-controlled areas, in violation of respective withdrawal lines.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.” Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed that the number of ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport decreased. About 300 people gathered in front and inside the SMM’s location in Donetsk city centre; 30 OSCE vehicles were spray-painted with different slogans...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.” Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The situation in and around Donetsk city and at the Donetsk airport was noticeably tenser than during the previous days. The SMM facilitated the continuing repairs on the water pipelines between Horlivka (“DPR”-controlled) and Maiorsk (government-controlled). The SMM monitored 2000 Right Sector protesters rallying in Kyiv...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The situation in Donetsk and Luhansk region remained relatively calm. The SMM observed the planned movement of military equipment by both Ukrainian Armed Forces and “Donetsk People’s Republic”. In Minsk, at a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group, an agreement was reached within the security working group on the withdrawal of tanks and smaller calibre weapons...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.” Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. After a volatile weekend, the SMM did not record any ceasefire violations in the monitored areas at Donetsk airport and in and around Donetsk city. The security situation in Luhansk region remained relatively calm. The SMM followed up on one explosion having occurred in the night of 19-20 July in Odessa. Activities of the Right Sector noticeably decreased across Ukraine.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.” Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The SMM continued to observe ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport. The SMM observed shelling in Donetsk city centre for the first time in several months and observed the aftermath of the shelling in residential neighbourhoods there, while also hearing reports and observing the effects of shelling in and around government-controlled Avdiivka to the north. The situation in Luhansk region remained relatively calm.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of Measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.” Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed that the number of ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport decreased. In Shyrokyne no ceasefire violations were observed. The repair at the water pipeline north-west of Horlivka was suspended due to ceasefire violations. The SMM in Kyiv as well as on the crash site in Hrabove observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims of the downing of Malaysian Airline Flight MH17.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements.” Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The level of violence around the destroyed “Donetsk People’s Republic”-controlled airport decreased. The SMM continued to facilitate ongoing repairs to the water-supply system between Horlivka and Maiorsk. The security situation in Luhansk region remained relatively calm. The SMM continued to observe throughout Ukraine several rallies by Right Sector activists albeit in smaller numbers than during the previous days.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed continuous ceasefire violations at and around the Donetsk airport. The situation around Shyrokyne was relatively calm. The SMM continued to facilitate repairs at a major water pipeline between Maiorsk and Horlivka. The SMM observed the continuation of rallies in several cities by Right Sector (Pravyi Sektor) members and supporters, all of which were peaceful...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of Measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.” Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed that the number ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport decreased. The situation around Shyrokyne remained calm. The SMM continued to facilitate demining and repair work on a major water-supply system between Maiorsk and Horlivka, and on 14 July work at the first pipeline was completed.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.” Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed 50 ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport. The situation around Shyrokyne remained calm. The SMM continued to facilitate demining and repair work on a major water-supply system between Maiorsk and Horlivka. The SMM monitored the security situation in Mukacheve and Right Sector protests across Ukraine...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The SMM continued to observe ceasefire violations at and around the Donetsk airport. No violence was observed in Shyrokyne. The Luhansk region remained largely calm. Repair works on the regional water-supply pipeline leading to Horlivka was suspended due to ceasefire violations on 11 July. The SMM observed protest gatherings of the Right Sector across the country after an armed incident on 11 July in Mukacheve...

On 12 July, the SMM dispatched a patrol of the Ivano-Frankivsk-based team to monitor events in the wake of an armed incident that reportedly occurred the previous day in Mukacheve (Zakarpattia region, 605km south-west of Kyiv). According to media reports, at least two people were killed – reportedly members of the Right Sector (Pravyi Sektor) – and several others were wounded in a shootout at a café allegedly owned by a member of parliament (Verkhovna Rada)...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed 617 ceasefire violations at and around the Donetsk airport. The situation around Shyrokyne was relatively calm. The SMM continued to facilitate repairs at a major water pipeline between Maiorsk and Horlivka...

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*; persistent jamming of SMM UAVs over “DPR”-controlled areas was during the reporting period a major hindrance to monitoring in those areas. The SMM continued to observe ceasefire violations at and around the Donetsk airport. The situation was calm in and around Shyrokyne. The Luhansk region remained largely calm although the SMM noted indications of recent fighting...