OSCE condemns destruction of equipment necessary for SMM work in Donbas

Their joint statement has been published on the OSCE website on Tuesday, June 23, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“There is no excuse for the deliberate destruction of OSCE equipment. This provides an essential tool for monitoring the implementation of commitments by the sides,” said Ambassador Hasani.

On June 22, the SMM camera in government-controlled Shyrokyne was damaged. The SMM is currently following up on the incident to gather further details. Hasani and Greminger urged the sides to ensure the security of SMM equipment as well as its staff, so the SMM can continue to operate according to its mandate.

“This is not an isolated incident. We have seen a range of incidents involving threats to the SMM’s staff, as well as the regular obstruction of its work and freedom of movement. This must stop,” the ambassador stressed.

In turn, Secretary General Greminger said that this is another example of the disregard for the security of staff and equipment of the SMM.

“We have seen too many cases where SMM patrols were exposed to shots and explosions, often breaching specific security commitments. More than ever, it is essential to ensure safe and unimpeded access for the Mission throughout Ukraine and respect for the equipment it needs to do its work,” he stated.

The incident follows the apparently deliberate targeting, at a relatively close range, of a camera located in non-government-controlled Petrivske on June 2.