Mandate of OSCE mission in Ukraine not extended due to Russia's position - Rau

Russia has blocked the extension of the mandate of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine.

That's according to a statement posted on the OSCE website, Ukrinform reports.

"I deeply regret that we could not reach agreement on the extension of the Special Monitoring Mission's mandate due to the position of the Russian Federation," said OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau.

He said that for the past eight years, the Mission has been playing a crucial role by providing objective information on the security and humanitarian situation on the ground and relentlessly working to ease the effects of the conflict on the civilian population.

Rau underlined that Polish Chairmanship will continue consultations with the participating States on the OSCE's future role and presence in Ukraine.

"While those discussions continue, the SMM will maintain its administrative status as an OSCE field operation, and continue to carry out functions including ensuring the safety and security of mission members, assets and premises," the statement said.

Rau and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid also reaffirmed their call on Russia to stop its aggression against Ukraine.

The Special Monitoring Mission was established in March 2014, following a request by the Ukrainian government to the OSCE, and a consensus decision by all 57 participating states.

Following Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the OSCE leadership decided to evacuate the mission and its reporting activities were suspended on March 7.