Statement by the Chief Monitor

KYIV, 1 September 2021 — The Chief Monitor, Halit Çevik, reiterated that the SMM has been monitoring the security situation throughout Ukraine on a 24/7 basis since its deployment in the country upon the request of the Ukrainian government and by the decision of the OSCE Permanent Council.

He emphasized that the Mission is fulfilling its round the clock monitoring operations by means of patrols and forward patrol bases, as well as through remote observation using technological means such as cameras and UAVs.

The Chief Monitor underlined that the SMM is a civilian mission, and its freedom of movement is often limited. He reiterated that the SMM is strictly committed to the principles of impartiality and transparency, therefore it can only report what it monitors and observes directly. The SMM is not tasked or designed to cover the entire conflict area and nor has resources to do so. He further clarified that, during the month of August, approximately 65 per cent of all ceasefire violations recorded by the Mission occurred at night, and were reflected in the SMM’s daily reports. In addition, on the morning of 28 August, the Mission recorded more than 190 ceasefire violations in Avdiivka, including mortar and artillery fire.

The Chief Monitor underlined that the SMM will continue its hard work, but it relies on the political support and goodwill of all actors on the ground. The unwarranted public criticism is detrimental to its work.