The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Ukraine has been commended for its efforts to provide information on the situation in Ukraine, particularly in the conflict zones of eastern Ukraine. Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, Chief Monitor of the SMM, was praised for his team's work under challenging conditions during recent escalations of violence by Russia-backed separatists.
Ambassador Apakan's team has increased its presence, deploying 413 monitors as of this week, with additional personnel completing training in Kyiv. The United States has expressed continued support for the SMM, recently contributing an additional $1 million to aid its operations. Currently, 44 U.S. monitors are on the ground in Ukraine, with plans to increase this number to 50 by the end of February.
The SMM's role extends beyond monitoring; it has facilitated ceasefires to allow civilian evacuations from conflict areas like Debaltseve. The mission is urged to continue pursuing local ceasefires for humanitarian purposes and is recognized for operating in a more volatile environment than initially anticipated when its mandate was established in March 2014.
Key issues raised include securing international borders as a prerequisite for political solutions and addressing attacks on OSCE's UAVs. There is also a focus on detainees held illegally by both Russia and separatists within Ukraine. The SMM's efforts to facilitate their release are acknowledged.
Additionally, there is support for increased monitoring efforts in Crimea to ensure comprehensive international awareness of developments there.