OSCE condemns use of observers' cars captured by Russia, demands return of employees and property

This is reported in the EU statement made during the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, Ukrinform cites.

The statement noted that for 11 months, Russia has been attacking not only Ukraine, but also the fundamental principles and values ​​of the OSCE. They also reminded that since April 2022, the Russian Federation has been illegally detaining three employees of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission on dubious charges.

“Last weekend, we received new alarming reports about the alleged transfer of more than 50 SMM armored vehicles from Russia to eastern Ukraine, where they could be used to support an aggressive war against Ukraine. This is unacceptable,” the statement said.

The EU emphasized that the Russian Federation should immediately release all detained OSCE employees and return the appropriated property to its rightful owner.

In addition, the OSCE urged Russia to immediately provide comprehensive explanations regarding the appropriation of the organization's property and its use in the temporarily occupied territories of eastern Ukraine in the war of aggression. Thus, the Permanent Representative of the UK to the OSCE, Neil Bush, emphasized that the Russian Federation knows that the organization has not deployed either equipment or personnel in the east of Ukraine.

“We categorically condemn the apparent theft and misuse of OSCE vehicles, which are reportedly being used by Russia in Donbas. ... The Russian Federation must provide comprehensive explanations,” Bush said.

He also called on Russia to immediately release OSCE staff and stop intimidation and threats towards them. The ambassador also emphasized that the UK will continue to support Ukraine “with all the resources necessary to stop Russian aggression.”

• On January 17, it became known that the terrorist group "LPR" stole cars of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe mission and intended to hand them over to the Russian military.