OSCE SMM Spot Report 32/2021: Armed formations denied the SMM passage near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Molodizhne, Luhansk region

On the morning of 29 November, the armed formations in Luhansk region denied three SMM patrols passage to government-controlled areas. All patrols were travelling from non-government-controlled areas.

The first denial occurred at 09:06 at the checkpoint of the armed formations near the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote (government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk). The second occurred at 10:15 at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk). The third occurred at 10:58 at a checkpoint of the armed formations on road T-0504 about 1.5km south-west of Molodizhne (non-government-controlled, 63km north-west of Luhansk). On the first occasion, members of the armed formations cited “the SMM’s safety”, on the second, “a lack of permission” from those in control in non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region and on the third occasion, “orders from superiors”.

For recent restrictions faced by the SMM when crossing the contact line, see SMM Spot Reports 27/2021, 28/2021, 29/2021, 30/2021 and 31/2021.

The Mission again notes that such denials not only restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, but also prevent the SMM’s logistical operations, which are essential for the effective functioning of the Mission.

The OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.