A number of observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe are being detained in eastern Ukraine. The OSCE says in a brief statement that they have been “deprived of their freedom”.
These are members of the monitoring mission who were active in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. It is unclear exactly how many people are involved. It is also not known what nationality they have. “We are using all possible channels to secure their release.” The organization adds it is “extremely concerned”.
The British delegation of the OSCE mission in Ukraine speaks of “alarming reports” that Russian forces have captured the observers.
The OSCE has been monitoring compliance with the ceasefire between the separatists and the Ukrainian military in eastern Ukraine since 2014. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, several countries withdrew their OSCE observers, including the Netherlands.
The mission’s mandate expired at the end of March. Russia had previously accused the OSCE of bias and rejected an extension of the mission. Members still stayed behind to complete administrative tasks and get people to safety.
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