On the 29 July, the first OSCE observers came and started their work at the Donetsk and Gukovo checkpoints on the Ukrainian border. The decision regarding their deployment was taken on the 24 July by the OSCE for the purposes of the implementation of the Berlin declaration by the German, Russian, Ukrainian and French Foreign Ministers of the 2 July. It was supported unanimously despite the attempts by Ukrainian, UK and Canadian delegations to disrupt its adoption.

Our invitation to international observers is another confirmation of Russia' good will, because Russia uses all its efforts to assist the de-escalation of the internal Ukrainian crisis, the creation of conditions for the immediate launch of a negotiation process between the Ukrainian parties and removal of unjustified accusations coming from Kiev and the West against our country regarding alleged improper control on the border.

16 OSCE observers will monitor the Gukovo and Donetsk checkpoints 24/7. They will receive maximum assistance from the Government of the Rostov Region and profile federal agencies. We expect the OSCE to form its team of observers, who will start performing their tasks, in the near future.

We are worried about the continuing military confrontations in the East of Ukraine in the immediate vicinity of the Russian border. The continuation of these military actions creates a direct threat to hundreds of our nationals and those who serve in border checkpoints. We cannot exclude that the international observers can also be in danger. We appeal to Ukraine to stop their military operation immediately and to start settling the crisis at the negotiation table.

30 July 2014