OSCE SMM Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug says the OSCE is not able to confirm the reports about the death of one of the militant leaders, a Russian citizen Arseniy Pavlov aka ”Motorola,” according to 112 Ukraine TV channel.
”We are aware of these reports. Based on our own observations, we cannot confirm these reports. Our teams very carefully monitor the situation in Donetsk on both sides of the contract line. And any deterioration for whatever reason should be avoided,” Hug said adding that the SMM mission is there to establish the facts.
The mission will continue to be present in Donetsk on both sides of the contact line, according to Hug.
As was reported earlier, one of the militant leaders, a Russian citizen Arseniy Pavlov aka ”Motorola” was reported to have been blown up in an elevator in Donetsk. The Ukrainian Security Service confirmed the reports late Sunday.
In Ukraine, ”Motorola” is accused of war crimes, including the shooting of prisoners.