Madam Chairperson, Dear Colleagues,

Ukraine strongly condemns Russia’s intention not to extend the mandate of the OSCE Border Observer Mission. Following Russia’s refusal to support consensus on the widely agreed terms of the Mission’s mandate in May and July, this critically destructive step serves as another clear evidence of Russia’s real intentions to undermine politico-diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict.  

As we have already mentioned earlier, despite being established before the Minsk Agreements had been signed, the Mission’s monitoring has been contributing to the wider OSCE’s efforts on providing transparency along the segment of the border between Ukraine and the Russian Federation which is temporarily not under control by the Government of Ukraine.  

Mentioned Russia’s intention also reflects the real stance of the aggressor-state in terms of implementation of the Minsk agreements in general and paragraph 4 of the Minsk Protocol of 5 September 2014, which envisages permanent monitoring and verification at the state border between Russia and Ukraine by the OSCE.

Following this development, OSCE structures and participating States should be involved in substantial and focused discussion on the real motives of Russia’s decision, made just days before the start of another large-scale military exercises “Zapad 2021” in close vicinity of the state border of Ukraine, and possible response to them.

We call on the Swedish Chairpersonship to conduct such consultations. We call also on the Secretary General to use existing early warning and prevention tools if the situation at the temporarily uncontrolled Russian-Ukrainian border or the line of contact further deteriorates or the legitimate concern of the participating States is expressed. Time for “asking” is coming to an end. We should react.

It is obvious, that this another blatant gesture of Russia has a potential only to contribute to further escalation of the situation in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict zone and unimpeded supplies of weapons, military equipment, ammunition, regular troops and mercenaries to the temporarily occupied parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.

We urge the Russian Federation to immediately put an end to its obstructive actions, including with regard to the OSCE Border Observer Mission, 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.

Thank you, madam Chairperson.