OSCE Representative Condemns Occupiers’ Impediments on SMM Operation in Eastern Ukraine

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on Eastern Europe Daniela De Ridder stated that the recent undue restrictions on the freedom of movement of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine were a troubling development that must be reversed.

“Mandated since 2014 to observe and report impartially on the situation in Ukraine, it has been an invaluable tool in documenting ceasefire violations, providing essential data to policymakers, and facilitating dialogue among belligerents,” said De Ridder.

She reminded all parties involved in the conflict that the SMM was authorised by consensus decisions of all 57 OSCE participating States, and that its freedom of movement must be unconditionally respected.

On 15 and 16 October, Russian mercenaries staged a protest against the OSCE mission in occupied Donetsk. A rally was held in front of the hotel where Mission members reside, and the Mission’s patrols were prevented from leaving the building.

Natalia Tolub