Ukraine draws OSCE's attention to Russia's use of private armies in Donbas and around the world

This was discussed at another regular thematic meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation held by the Ukrainian Chairmanship on the issue of the participation of private military companies in armed conflicts on the territory of the OSCE area and beyond, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informs.

As noted, representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the Security Service of Ukraine spoke on behalf of Ukraine at the meeting. They drew the attention of the OSCE participating states to the facts of Russia's violation of international law, the temporary occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine in the Donbas and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

 “In particular, it was emphasized that Russia is actively participating in the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine not only as a full-fledged party, but by supporting cross-border terrorist activities. To this end Russia recruits, trains and transfer to the territory of Ukraine mercenaries from private military/security companies, armed "Russian Cossacks" and militants from other Russia’s paramilitary structures,” the statement reads.

Ukraine’s representatives also exposed the covert practice of Russia using mentioned paramilitary structures in other regions of the world.

The OSCE participating states supported Ukraine's position and condemned this extremely threatening activity of Russia.

Given the growing share of private military and security companies in the security environment of the OSCE region, the importance of ensuring an appropriate level of supervision and control at the national and international levels over their activities was emphasized. This is particularly important from the point of view of international humanitarian law.

The participants pointed out the need to continue working on the development of a legally binding international regulatory framework in the field of private military companies and supported the relevant efforts within the UN.

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