The "DNR" would like to oust the OSCE SMM, but fears that peacekeeping mission comes instead

The authorities of the so-called "DNR" would like to prohibit the work of the OSCE SMM on the territory of the occupied Donbass, but they are afraid that with its withdrawal, peacekeeping mission will be introduced to the conflict zone. This was stated by one of the leaders of the "DNR" Denis Pushilin.

The militant said that the "republic" is dissatisfied with the reports of the OSCE SMM, which stress on violations of the ceasefire on the part of terrorists.

"The DNR is considering the possibility of addressing the leadership of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe regarding the facts of incorrect monitoring of the situation in the Donbass by representatives of the SMM", - he complained.

"The OSCE SMM activities have recently become typical, and for us they are extremely painful. There is a one-sided coverage of events, mostly in favor of Ukraine. Some statements of the missions that are authorized to give briefings here have prompted us to state our official position on the crossing of checkpoints. We did not limit their movement, but we do not intend to give any kind of privileges to mission representatives", - the militant said.

He made it clear that the "DNR" would gladly get rid of the mission, but they are afraid of accusations of violating the settlement process. Pushilin explained that the functions of the mission are regulated by the Set of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

In addition, he feared that with the departure of the OSCE SMM, a peacekeeping mission could come instead.

"Given the desire of our opponents to replace SMM with UN peacekeepers, we should approach this issue very carefully", - he said.