The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine takes note of the OSCE PC Decision on the extension until October 31 of the deployment of OSCE observers to two Russian checkpoints on the Russian-Ukrainian Border “Gukovo” and “Donetsk”, adopted on July 20, according to a statement published on the ministry’s website.
“We regret over the position of the Russian Federation that remains alone in the OSCE in opposing expansion of the mandate of the Mission to all sections of the border adjacent to certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine that are temporarily not under control of the Ukrainian authorities. In this regard, the Ukrainian Delegation to the OSCE made an interpretative statement in connection with the above [mentioned] decision.
The Delegation of Ukraine consistently reiterates the importance of having a substantial and broad OSCE monitoring on the Russian side of the Ukrainian-Russian border adjacent to certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine. It is not a matter of “good-will” on the part of Russia, but a matter of implementation of undertaken commitments.
Read alsoOSCE ready to open new patrol bases in occupied Donbas, while waiting for guarantees from militants"We call upon the Russian Federation to demonstrate its full commitment to the implementation of the Minsk agreements, including ensuring comprehensive and permanent border monitoring by the OSCE, which is crucial for de-escalation in Donbas," reads the statement.
Expanding the mandate of the OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian checkpoints “Gukovo” and “Donetsk” to all sections of the border adjacent to certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine is critical for sustainable de-escalation and peaceful resolution of the conflict, started by Russia, the Ukrainian diplomats say.
Read alsoMFA Ukraine expects new OSCE leadership to "respond duly" to Russia’s crimes in Donbas and CrimeaObstruction on the part of Russia “can only be attributed to its unchanged position on continuing its aggression against Ukraine in Donbas, including by supplying heavy weapons, military equipment, regular troops, fighters and mercenaries, sponsoring and financing terrorist acts in the territory of Ukraine,” the statement reads.
