The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission's (SMM) First Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug and observers were able to drive along the M03 road of international importance to the city of Debaltseve owing to mine clearance conducted by the conflicting parties in Donbas.

"Hug and other OSCE monitors traveled along MO3 road to Debaltseve. Mines and obstacles cleared on both sides [of the contact line]. [Owing to] joint efforts by JCCC and deminers," the OSCE SMM said on Twitter.

The conflicting parties can conduct mine clearance when they want to do it, the OSCE SMM said. "More mine clearance is needed throughout Donbas. Civilian logic should prevail," the mission said.

As reported, on July 17, Hug and OSCE SMM observers were unable to drive along the MO3 to Svitlodarsk due to mines. The Joint Control and Coordination Center for the ceasefire on the contact line (JCCC) failed to coordinate the mine clearance process, the OSCE SMM said then.