Madam Chairperson, Dear Colleagues, 

From the very beginning Russia’s position not to extend the mandate of the OSCE Border Observer Mission at the Russian checkpoints «Gukovo» and «Donetsk» was strongly condemned by Ukraine, including in the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine of 2 September.

Today, due to Russia’s destructive decision, the participating States just face an inevitable fact that the BOM will cease to exist by the end of September this year. It means that the Russian Federation decided to stick to its critically unproductive approach aimed at undermining politico-diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

The Russian delegation used to often underline that the BOM had been established before the Minsk agreements were signed. It is so, of course. But nevertheless, this OSCE Field Operation has always been important in terms of wider efforts to provide transparency along the segment of the border between Ukraine and the Russian Federation which is temporarily not under control by the Government of Ukraine.  

Moreover, the BOM’s activities have always been notable in conditions of Russia’s negligence towards implementing the Minsk agreements in general and paragraph 4 of the Minsk Protocol of 5 September 2014 in particular, which envisages permanent monitoring and verification at the state border between Russia and Ukraine by the OSCE with establishment of security zone in border areas of Ukraine and Russia. And here I would like to emphasize – in border areas of the two states, Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

Of course, this decision by the Russian Federation is counterproductive, but unfortunately - quite predictable, taking into account that the Russian side has been restricting the monitoring activities of the BOM since the very day of its establishment, constantly repeating the “Russia’s good will” fairy tale. 

Last year during preparations for the OSCE Ministerial Council in Tirana the Russian Federation appeared to be the only participating State which blocked the proposal of Ukraine for the Ministerial Council Draft Decision “On the OSCE Permanent Monitoring and Verification of the Areas Adjacent to the Ukrainian-Russian State Border Which are temporarily Not Under Control of the Ukrainian Government”, co-sponsored by 34 participating States. This document in line with some provisions for the SMM also provided for necessary resources to enhance BOM’s capabilities for effective monitoring, including through the use of technical surveillance equipment, UAVs and satellite imageries. It also encouraged the OSCE Chairpersonship to elaborate proposals on expansion of the BOM operation.

This situation was just another proof of the Russian unconstructive approach. Moscow’s main interest inheres in the use of its sole control over the both sides of the 409 km segment of the state border between Russia and Ukraine to keep supplying unimpededly weapons, military equipment, ammunition, regular troops and mercenaries to the temporarily occupied parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. And regular restrictions and impediments that Russia has been creating to undermine activities of both the BOM and the SMM pursue the only goal – to hide any facts about Russian military presence in Donbas. Otherwise, why should Russia be in such a strict opposition to the OSCE’s comprehensive monitoring in the area of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict?

What are the first conclusions of the current situation for all participating States?

First, it is drastic step back not only in terms of trust, transparency and the process of peaceful resolution of the conflict itself, it is huge step back in Russian attitude to the process, demolishing hopes of all participating states who invested so many efforts in the negotiations back in 2014 as well as nowadays looking, with certain expectations for the Russian “good will”.

The main lesson to be learnt is as follows: no matter how many times you would try to make concessions with the Russian Federation, Moscow will take it for granted or even interpret as weakness. In the long run, it will proceed with its destructive approach despite any concessions.

We believe that time for “asking or expressing hopes and concerns” should be over. Every destructive initiative of the Russian Federation should be reciprocated with proper international reaction. Unfortunately, it looks like the only way to make the Russian Federation return to a constructive approach and implement fully its obligations under the Minsk agreements as both a signatory to the three documents and a party to the conflict.

Secondly, in a view of the BOM’s closure, ongoing Russian military build-up along the state border of Ukraine, regular restrictions to the SMM activities on the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine in Donetsk and Luhansk regions by the Russian occupation forces especially in the border areas, and “illusive” perspectives of opening new Forward Patrol Bases of the OSCE SMM as it was noted by the Deputy Chief Observer Mark Etherington during the informal briefing for participating States on 10 September, the issue of security and transparency on the state border between Russia and Ukraine should be prioritized on the OSCE’s agenda.

We also believe that the OSCE would benefit from the wider discussion on the border security, including in the conflict affected areas, the need for which is long overdue in our Organization.

The Delegation of Ukraine is ready for fruitful cooperation with all participating States in this regard as well as Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship, including in the framework of discussions on the prospective objectives of the Stockholm Ministerial Council deliverables.

In conclusion I would like to reiterate, that withdrawal of Russian occupation forces and illegal armed formations from the sovereign territory of Ukraine followed by reinstating of full control over the Ukrainian-Russian border by the Government of Ukraine, is a prerequisite for solution the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Thank you, madam Chairperson.