Tanks and “green men” as reinforcements in eastern Ukraine (updated)

(BRUSSELS2) The latest report from OSCE observers present in eastern Ukraine, published on Saturday (8 November) evening, is worrying. In the cities of Donetsk et à Makeevka (25 km northeast de the city from Donetsk), in the territory controlled by the rebels of the "people's republic of Donetsk", observers noted of convoys heavy weapons and tanks.

A convoy of 40 trucks with a BTR in the lead and green men!

This started " at 13:55 p.m. local time, in the periphery Is of Makeevka (25 km northeast of Donetsk), With un convoy of more than 40 trucks et tank trucks moving West on the highway H-21”. Among these, 19 were big trucks - Type Kamaz-, silverware et without specific brands or number plates, but towing each one howitzer of 122 mm et Staff in uniform dark green without badges. Fifteen trucks were of the type troop carriers Kraz. The other 6 were small tank trucks fuel, equipped with cranes » The OSCE could also observe un armored vehicle BTR, at the head of the convoy, unmarked, the weapon covered with a tarpaulin".

Convoy of tanks in Donetsk

It continued to « 15h20, at the intersection of the street et Leninskii cuprin Street (7 km south-west of downtown Donetsk), where un convoy de nine tanks heading to the west » was sighted. It was composed of: « four type tanks T72 et five type tanks T64, also unmarked ».

Shortly before, around 14:45 p.m., shelling began North et to the northwest de the outskirts of the city, heavy weapon fire continuing at the time of publication of the report (Saturday evening).

Concern at the OSCE about compliance with the Minsk agreements...

This situation prompted a statement by the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs and titular Chairman of the OSCE showing that he was " very concerned "by this resurgence of violence" and activities " leading to more fragility instead of continuing to stabilize the situation ". He is " decisive that all parties strictly adhere to the commitments made under the Minsk Protocol and stay away from any action that could lead to further escalation” he added.

Many victims, part of the dead letter Minsk agreements (EU)

Note that this case is not isolated. The situation in eastern Ukraine remains complicated. As a senior European diplomatic service (EEAS) official noted recently (a statement collected by B2), there has been “ in recent months a lot of victims, on both sides. We are trying to stop the fight, to impose a ceasefire. “But it is still very difficult. And some points of the Minsk agreement remain a dead letter for the moment. For example, on the issue of border crossings, " this is not progressing ". Quite simply, because one of the parties does not want it remarks our interlocutor, diplomatically, without expressly designating the culprit. But everyone will have recognized it...

Winning in the field on the Ukrainian army

« All she wants is to gain ground on the Ukrainian army, (whether) in the Dombass (or) near Mariupol ". If on the European side, we do not want to comment expressly on the "delivery of arms" by Russia, there is one fact that seems to be proven: "it seems that sophisticated weapons are found in the area, with so-called locals... And even OSCE observers are under fire. " We are even shooting at the OSCE mission. An Austrian drone (of the organization) which was to follow the movements of the front line, was also shot down. »

Russia must assume its responsibilities (Mogherini)

(Update 10.11 20 p.m.) The High Representative Federica Mogherini asked, in a press release sent to the press, at the end of the afternoon, to each of the parties " de show the greatest restraint, strictly comply with their commitments under the protocol Minsk and the Memorandum, et re-engage in order to find a solution peaceful and sustainable based on respect for Ukraine independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. » « It is imperative to avoid any upsurge hostilities she added, asking in particular the « Russia d'fully assume its responsibilities, especially by preventing any additional movement de military, weapons or fighters de its territory in Ukraine, removing of Ukraine troops, weapons and equipment under his control, et by exercising his influence for ensure that the separatists implement in good faith the obligations they have taken in Minsk. »

(NGV)