Invaders deny SMM patrols passage at Donbas checkpoints 485 times since start of 2020

Since the beginning of 2020, members of Russian-led armed formations have denied OSCE SMM patrols passage at checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions 485 times.

"The Russian invaders consistently impede the implementation of the Mission’s mandate, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 or unreasonable orders by their commanders. Since the beginning of 2020, more than 485 such cases have been recorded," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters reports.

According to an OSCE report, the Mission began facing repeated denials when attempting to cross into non-government-controlled areas at checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region on March 21 and Luhansk region on March 23. They restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its mandate throughout the country.

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