NSDC: OSCE documents instances of troops crossing the border between Russia and Ukraine

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Kyiv, August 14, 2014 – OSCE mission representatives observing the Russian checkpoint Gukovo noted in their special  report published on the OSCE website that people in uniform keep crossing the border on a daily basis. “Throughout the week, the mission documented numerous groups of young men in military attire, who crossed the border both ways. The observers also saw ambulances evacuating wounded supporters of the so-called “PRD” several times. In the last three days, instances of Russian military Mi-24 helicopter flights over the checkpoint have increased in frequency. During daytime, the observers claimed that the helicopters did not cross into the Ukrainian airspace in the zone visible from the checkpoint,” stated spokesman of the NSDC Information Center colonel Andriy Lysenko during a press briefing at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

On July 30 the head of the OSCE mission in Rostov oblast Paul Picard stated the commission started working at the Gukovo and Donetsk checkpoints at the border between Russia and Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko spoke with US Vice-President Joseph Biden on the phone this Thursday evening, August 14. Both sides discussed the situation surrounding the humanitarian mission supply to Ukraine. An agreement was reached to continue the coordination of effort on part of both countries to react to existing and potential challenges and threats.

Commander of the united NATO army in Europe Philip Breedlove stated that international humanitarian aid for Ukraine has to be provided by the Red Cross, with Kyiv’s consent, and that any other option will be viewed as infringement on Ukrainian sovereignty.

Deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State Mary Harf emphasized that Russia has no right to invade Ukraine without Kyiv’s consent under the guise of so-called “humanitarian convoys,” or by using any other excuse.

The Swiss Federal Council announced its decision to employ additional means to ensure the sanctions Europe imposed on Russia. In particular, to prolong the embargo on supplying certain military goods to Russia, as well as impose strict control over dual-use goods export to Russia. Besides, Switzerland promised to do everything in its power for the country’s territory not to be used as a way to avoid EU sanctions. Meanwhile the Federal Council stated that it acknowledges Ukraine territorial integrity and considers Russia a violator of international law in light of the annex of Crimea.

“At noon today, vehicles with Ukrainian humanitarian aid from Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk departed for Luhansk oblast. The cargo there will be handed over to Red Cross representatives, to enable the international humanitarian mission to deliver these items to the people who have been taken hostage by the bandits. It is essential that the terrorists allow the mission to pass through the territory temporarily under their control and guarantee their security. Overall, since July 6, the Ukrainian State Emergency Service delivered 250 tons of food, 800 special rations, over 9000 liters of potable water and thousands of bread loaves to the east,” stated Andriy Lysenko.

The Russian side was given the option of absolutely transparent conditions of joining the international humanitarian mission, acting in accordance with the rules of the International Red Cross Committee. This is stated directly by both representatives of the International Red Cross Committee and international media. “In case the decision is made to supply humanitarian aid through the border area temporarily under terrorist control, the cargo still has to be examined by Ukrainian border servicemen and handed over to Red Cross representatives. But the full responsibility for the safety of this cargo will be put on Russia, which is controlling the mercenaries it has armed in the first place,” emphasized colonel Lysenko.