The OSCE Chairmanship has condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin`s decree to recognize documents and license plates of vehicles issued to Ukraine`s citizens and stateless persons who reside in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
”The OSCE Chairmanship expresses strong concern about this measure taken by the Russian Federation. In our view, this decree is in contradiction to the objectives of the settlement process in eastern Ukraine,” the OSCE said in a press release.
The OSCE Chairmanship notes that documents issued on the sovereign territory of Ukraine are only valid if done so by the internationally recognized authorities.
”While the OSCE Chairmanship supports efforts to normalize the situation of people living in Donbas and to encourage freedom of movement, it cautions that this should be done in full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments as well as the Minsk agreements. Unilateral actions jeopardize efforts to resolve the crisis in and around Ukraine,” the report says.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 18 legalized the use of ”DPR/LPR”-issued passports and other identity documents, namely birth, marriage/divorce certificates, car registration plates, in Russia. Putin`s decree stipulates that the ”DPR/LPR” documents are supposedly recognized temporarily until the situation in Donbas has been settled.
Earlier, the RBC media outlet found out that the holders of the ”DPR/LPR” passports could also use services of Russian railways, airlines, and hotels.
Ukrainian authorities, including Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, sharply criticized the decision, saying it had violated the Minsk peace accords.
