The "DNR" assures that they interfere with the monitoring of the OSCE SMM solely out of concern for them

The "DNR" assured that they do not allow patrols to monitor the site of the Ukrainian-Russian border in Novoazovsk exclusively out of concern for the security of the OSCE SMM. This was stated by one of the leaders of terrorists Denis Pushilin, commenting on the information of the mission.

As previously reported, in mid-July the militants did not allow two patrols of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to occupied Novoazovsk. "Violation of Minsk agreements: again there is no access to Novoazovsk for the OSCE observers, 2 patrols of the SMM were stopped at a checkpoint, they let other civil transport pass", - the mission said.

The "DNR" explained that it takes care of the security of the staff of the OSCE SMM. The threat to observers was traditionally attributed to the Ukrainian side.

"On July 21, in the vicinity of Vasilievka village, representatives of the OSCE SMM got under Ukrainian army’s shelling... In connection with these events, it was decided to increase security measures. We had concerns for the lives of SMM employees because of possible provocations from Ukraine, thus the mission representatives were not allowed to Novoazovsk", - Pushilin said.

An uncontrolled border crossing point is located near Novoazovsk. Through it, military equipment and ammunition can freely flow from Russia to the occupied Donbass.