The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe terminates its mission in Ukraine and evacuates staff from Ukraine. This is stated in a statement by the Secretary General of the organization.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the OSCE statement.
"Due to the prolonged hostilities and the deteriorating security situation in Ukraine, in agreement with the current head of the mission, I have decided to temporarily evacuate all the members of the international mission from Ukraine as soon as possible," the statement said.
It is stressed that the OSCE hopes to resume the mission "when circumstances allow."
"This decision was not an easy one, and the move must be temporary. The security of dedicated women and men who serve the international community with impartial eyes and ears in the places across the country is extremely important," the OSCE said.
The OSCE recalled that it had set up a Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in 2014.