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Ukrainian nationalist forces capture some 20 OSCE vehicles, DPR reports

The fate of the Mission’s employees remains unknown

DONETSK, March 1. /TASS/. Ukrainian nationalist forces captured OSCE Special Monitoring Mission vehicles, the fate of the Mission’s employees is unknown, Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) People’s Militia reported Tuesday.

"According to the operative information, Ukrainian nationalist forces took advantage of the current situation in Kramatorsk and captured about 20 OSCE Special Monitoring Mission vehicles. The fate of the Mission’s employees remains unknown. The vehicles marked with OSCE SMM logos will be used for provocations against OSCE employees that will be blamed on the DPR People’s Militia," the statement says.

Previously, the OSCE SMM reportedly shut down its video surveillance at the contact line and started preparing for evacuation from Donbass.

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission started working in Ukraine on March 21, 2014. Its creation was supported by all 57 OSCE member states. The mission included about 1,000 observers. The mission has offices in Kiev, Donetsk and Lugansk.