OSCE chief: All channels being used to ensure release of captured SMM staff

That’s according to an interview with Ukrinform.

 “Securing the release of our staff members has been on the top of my agenda and that of our Polish Chair since we first learned of their detention. Our message to all relevant stakeholders is clear – these three men should be released immediately and without any preconditions,” the top official said.

 This has been communicated countless times, both publicly and privately, she added.

“While most of our efforts take place ‘behind the scenes’, I can assure you that we are doing everything possible to support our colleagues. I am grateful to all who are supporting us in that effort. We will continue to use every channel to make sure that they can return safely to their families,” Schmid said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Three national mission members of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) continue to be illegally detained in the Russian-occupied territory of eastern Ukraine.