Linde condemns impediments to OSCE SMM’s activities in eastern Ukraine

During spring, the Mission has noted a narrowing corridor for its work, which erodes its already limited monitoring ability in non-government-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine. This is unacceptable and runs contrary to the SMM mandate which provides for the Mission’s safe and unhindered access throughout Ukraine,” the Chairperson-in-Office stressed in a statement following conclusion of her visit to Ukraine.

As noted, the Head of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, Halit Çevik, briefed Linde on the systematic impediments and restrictions hindering the Mission’s work on a daily basis.

Linde expressed her full support of the Special Representative of the Chairperson-in­Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, Heidi Grau, who explained the significant challenges faced during the negotiations.

Chairperson-in-Office Linde’s meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba focused on steps toward conflict resolution, alleviating the suffering of people living in conflict-affected areas and improving the humanitarian situation.

“I am deeply concerned by continuing ceasefire violations observed and the reports of civilian and military casualties. This demonstrates the need for an immediate adherence to the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine,” Linde said.

As reported, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde visited Ukraine on June 13-15. In particular, Linde made a trip to the Joint Forces Operation area where she got acquainted with the activities of the OSCE SMM to Ukraine, the consequences of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, the peculiarities of the movement of ships in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

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