The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM) to Ukraine said there should be no interference in the work of independent media outlets, including via publishing of journalists' personal information on the Mirotvorets website.

OSCE SMM Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Thursday that the OSCE SMM was following publications on the Mirotvorets website, but believed that there should be no interference in the work of independent media outlets.

The work of these independent media outlets can significantly influence the settlement of the situation, he said.

The OSCE SMM is also ready to assist with talks between the sides in the Donbas conflict, he said.

Both sides have an opportunity to discuss existing problems instead of using weapons, Hug said.

The Minsk talks are the only available platform in order to look for solutions to this conflict, and the OSCE SMM is working within its mandate to maintain the Minsk process, he said.