The Chief Monitor of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM) to Ukraine, Ertugrul Apakan, has announced that the number of OSCE monitors working in Ukraine will be increased by the end of March 2016, and has called on the sides to ensure the monitors' unhindered access to all parts of the conflict area, the OSCE press service reported.

"The mission will grow not only in numbers, but also in technology and presence. The number of monitors will be increased to 800 throughout Ukraine by the end of March, and more bases in eastern regions of the country will be opened," Apakan was quoted as saying by the OSCE press service.

Apakan reiterated that the SMM would continue to play its important role "on the ground" and called on the sides to ensure the security of its unarmed civilian monitors, as well as their unhindered access to the entire area of the conflict. He also stated that the sides should redouble their efforts towards peace and stability.

It was reported that on February 18, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the mandate of the OSCE mission in Donbas had been extended by one year – until the end of March 2017. He also said that the mission's new budget, amounting to almost EUR 100 million, had been confirmed.