Ukraine expresses concern over the OSCE data leak to Russia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed its concern about the report of security threats against the members of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Ukraine coming from the possible interference of Russian Federation intelligence services in their work, as stated in the commentary of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
"In this regard, the Foreign Ministry asked the OSCE SMM to share the measures to be taken to prevent such cases in the future. Ukraine condemns any actions that have a negative impact on the security of the SMM observers, particularly threats against them, restrictions on freedom of movement or stealing service or private information,” the document reads.
The commentary notes that Russia’s interference is aimed at discrediting the monitoring activities of the SMM in accordance with its mandate.
"The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine strongly condemns the continuation of Russia’s policy of aggression against Ukraine, including undermining the authority of the SMM and preventing the implementation of the Mission’s mandate,” the commentary stated.
Internal documents belonging to OSCE Special Monitoring Mission observers had found their way into the hands of Russia’s FSB recently. German journalists found out that the information may have been sent to the Russian intelligence agency by an OSCE staff member.
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission has been present in the Donbas since 2014.