Weekly update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 10:00 (Moscow time), 28 January 2015
This report is for media and the general public.
SUMMARY
Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). Overall cross-border traffic flows slightly increased at both BCPs. The OM continued to observe a number of persons in military-style clothing crossing the border in both directions.
DETAIL
OM’s staff composition
The OM is currently operating with 18 staff members, consisting of 15 permanent international observers (incl. the Chief Observer), three temporary international observers and one administrative assistant. Three international observers are currently on leave.
Cross-border movements common to both BCPs
The profile of the people crossing the border remains unchanged and can be categorised as follows:
- Families on foot or by car with a lot of luggage;
- Elderly people with few bags;
- Adults (usually of younger age) with no luggage or empty cars;
- People wearing military-style clothes with or without backpacks.
The average number of entries/exits slightly increased from 6,295 to 6,565 per day for both BCPs during the reporting period. More people entered the Russian Federation than Ukraine. The average net flow (i.e. the balance of entries and exits) was plus 798 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience more traffic than the Gukovo BCP. The cross-border movements registered at both BCPs accounted for 33.2 percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The majority of the vehicles crossing the border have number plates issued in the Luhansk region, including the long-distance coaches commuting between Luhansk and cities in the RF.
Common observations at the BCPs
The situation at both BCPs remained calm. The OM continued to observe that the Russian Federation border guard and customs service conducted checks and controls.
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation. OTs observed more people on the buses arriving from Ukraine then leaving Russian Federation.
During the reporting period, the Observer Teams (OTs) observed 376 men and women in military-style dress crossing the border in both directions. These people have been crossing individually or in groups. Ninety percent of border crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP. The OTs continued to observe a number of Cossacks, who were identified by their traditional fur hats, as well as by Cossack insignias. Furthermore, the OTs continued to observe cars with “DPR/LPR” stickers on their licence plates replacing the Ukrainian flag.
As well as in previous weeks, people crossing the border at both BCPs approached the OTs to share their stories, experiences and observations from the Ukrainian side of the border, for example, heavy shelling in Luhansk and Stakhanov, schools hit by airdropped bombs in Stakhanov. The OM is not in the position to verify any of these accounts. People crossing the border question the OMs presence in the Russian Federation and complain about the OM being on this side of the border. In one instance, a man fleeing from Stakhanov remembered the SMM’s visits to Stakhanov but only when the situation was peaceful and not now while under heavy shelling. In general, people are not aware or do not understand the OM’s mandate in the Russian Federation and do not differentiate it from that of the SMM.
Military movement
At the two BCPs the OM did not observe military movement, apart from vehicles of the Russian Federation Border Guard Service.
Observation at the Gukovo BCP
The traffic flows at the Gukovo BCP slightly increased compared to last week. A daily average of 1,879 entries and exits was recorded, which accounted for approximately ten percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. Compared to last week still more people entered the Russian Federation. The net flow went from plus 74 (i.e. more exits from Ukraine) to plus 91 on average per day.
During the week, the OM observed a total of 41 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at the Gukovo BCP, 10 of whom left for Ukraine while 31 entered the Russian Federation.
As in previous weeks, the OM observed dumper trucks transporting coal from the Luhansk region to the Russian Federation. OTs noticed that the trucks are not loaded equally. As reported previously, the observers saw Russian Federation customs officers verifying that the trucks were empty while leaving the Russian Federation.
The OTs picked up on the sound of a train passing by the BCP on two occasions during the reporting week; the OTs estimated that the trains were going to Ukraine. Visual observation of the trains was not possible.
Observation at the Donetsk BCP
During the reporting period, the activity at the Donetsk BCP slightly increased. The daily average of 4,686 entries and exits accounted for approximately 23 percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The net flow changed from plus 360 (i.e. more entering the Russian Federation) to plus 707 on average per day which describes an increase in movement from Ukraine and to the RF.
The OT observed 335 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at the Donetsk BCP individually and in groups, 173 persons entered the Russian Federation while 162 left for Ukraine.
Two ambulances were observed crossing the BCP, one from the Russian Federation the other from Ukraine. In the one that entered the BCP from the Russian Federation two males were observed in military style clothing on the front seats. OTs had no visual observation of the cargo of the ambulances.
On 22 January OT was approached by three males, former coal miners; they introduced themselves as natives of Kirovsk (Luhansk Oblast) and members of Prizrak battalion. All three were clad in camouflage gear and one was wearing a Cossack hat. They accused the OSCE of ignoring the events taking place in Luhansk Oblast.