What is the OSCE Doing in Ukraine?

In Ukraine, the OSCE monitors the cease-fire, weapons withdrawal, and overall security situation in eastern Ukraine. In addition, the OSCE has observed local elections and reports on widespread human rights violations in Russian-occupied Crimea.

Special Monitoring Mission (SMM)

• Mandate adopted by consensus on March 21, 2014 and extended until March 31, 2016
• 634 international monitors as of November 18, 2015
• Posts daily updates at OSCE.org
• Has encountered episodes of hostage-taking and been fired upon

OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk

• Mandate adopted by consensus on July 24, 2014
• Gathers information and reports on the security situation at the two checkpoints

Minsk Agreement

• Adopted September 5, 2014, by Russia, Ukraine, and Russian-backed separatists under OSCE auspices
• OSCE tasked with monitoring its implementation, including the cease-fire and weapons withdrawal

Minsk II

• Adopted February 11, 2015
• Continues work of Minsk agreement

OSCE Election Observation

• Observed local elections in 2015

Joint report by ODIHR & HCNM on Russian-occupied Crimea

• ODIHR and HCNM report released September 17, 2015, identifies widespread human rights violations