The recent address to the Permanent Council by Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, comes amid ongoing violence in Ukraine. Tensions persist near the Donetsk airport and Shyrokyne, with separatists deploying main battle tanks against government forces. These actions violate the ceasefire agreed upon in the February 12 Package of Measures.
The United States has called on Russia and its backed separatists to halt their attacks, adhere to the ceasefire, and withdraw all proscribed weapons from the contact line. The immediate establishment of Working Groups as outlined in the February 12 Package is urged.
Ambassador Apakan commended SMM's efforts despite escalating violence. "We encourage you and your team to continue this work," he stated, emphasizing support for establishing demilitarized zones around hotspots.
Access for SMM throughout Ukraine remains a concern. Despite Ukraine's policy allowing free access, local commanders sometimes delay or block entry at checkpoints. More seriously, Russia-backed separatists prevent SMM from accessing large areas under their control. Full access is also urged for Crimea.
Safety of monitors is crucial, with threats deemed unacceptable. "The best way to ensure the monitors’ safety and security would be for the Russia-backed separatists to respect the ceasefire," was emphasized during discussions.
The U.S., providing significant support with 50 monitors and financial contributions totaling approximately 16 million Euros, expressed readiness to increase resources if requested by Ambassador Apakan.
Reports indicate continued violations by Russian-separatist forces of terms set out in agreements such as maintaining prohibited artillery within certain areas and deploying additional air defense systems into eastern Ukraine. The presence of Russian military elements along Ukraine’s border has increased since October 2014.
Despite these challenges, it was stressed that peace hinges on decisive actions by Russia: respecting ceasefires, withdrawing military forces from Ukraine, allowing international monitoring along borders, releasing Ukrainian hostages, and respecting Ukrainian sovereignty.
In conclusion, a call was made for all parties involved to uphold commitments made in Minsk agreements and provide necessary resources for SMM operations while encouraging both sides towards peace in eastern Ukraine.