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COPENHAGEN, 30 September 2021 – In light of the Russian decision to block the continuation of the OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk on the Russian-Ukrainian border as of 30 September, Senior OSCE Parliamentary Assembly officials lamented the undermining of a valuable OSCE instrument and raised concerns regarding its implications for possible escalation in the conflict.

Suggesting the move was contrary to efforts to de-escalate the seven-year war which has already left more than 14,000 dead, Congressman Richard Hudson (United States), Costel Neculai Dunava (Romania), and Laurynas Kasciunas (Lithuania), the Chair, Vice-Chair and Rapporteur, respectively, of the OSCE PA’s General Committee on Political Affairs and Security, released the following statement:

“The OSCE Observer Mission on Ukraine’s border has since its inception documented a continuous flow of huge numbers of suspicious vehicles and personnel across the border, even though it was limited to only two crossing points and not allowed to use even basic equipment such as binoculars or cameras. Russia’s decision to shut down even this limited transparency measure only deepens our concerns regarding Moscow’s intentions. Rather than obstructing measures designed to address the conflict, we once again call on Russian authorities to de-escalate, withdraw, and fully respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.”

The PA leaders recalled the Assembly’s consistent support to the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and its condemnation of Russian violations of its commitments under the Helsinki Final Act.