Spot Report 40/2020: Members of the armed formations delayed SMM passage at a checkpoint near non-government-controlled Olenivka, Donetsk region

On 29 October, at about 12:15, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations delayed the passage of an SMM patrol, comprising four vehicles and seven members, travelling from Donetsk city towards government-controlled areas, citing “a need for authorization from their superiors”.

At about 14:10, after about 1 hour and 55 minutes of waiting, the SMM was allowed passage after which it proceeded towards the most forward checkpoint of the armed formations, about 2.5km south-west of Olenivka.

This delay contributes to restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its mandate.

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With regard to COVID-19, the SMM has introduced a number of stringent mitigation measures into its operational procedures. These include strict adherence to social distancing rules both internally and with external interlocutors, daily temperature checks, use of PPE and minimizing the number of personnel in vehicles.

For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit: https://www.osce.org/special-monitoring-mission-to-ukraine/468843

Contacts:

Dragana Nikolic-Solomon
26 Turhenievska Street
01054 Kyiv
Ukraine
Office: +380 44 392 08 55
Mobile: +380 95 291 99 18
[email protected]

Iryna Korobko
26 Turhenievska Street
01054 Kyiv
Ukraine
Office: +380 44 392 09 84
Mobile: +380 67 235 38 16
[email protected]

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