The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) says it is concerned about officials captured by Russia in eastern Ukraine. The organization in Vienna announced Saturday night that the Ukrainians were working together with international OSCE observers in the region. British OSCE representative Deirdre Brown said on Friday that Russian units had arrested OSCE officials.
In addition, OSCE officials in Donbass are threatened by pro-Russian separatists, according to Brown. “OSCE is using all available channels to secure the release of its staff,” the organization said. Because of the delicate situation, the OSCE declined to provide details about the prisoners.
In late February, the OSCE decided to temporarily end its mission in the face of the Russian invasion and evacuate its unarmed international team. The observers’ main task was to monitor the ceasefire line between state troops and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.