DONETSK, November 9 (RIA Novosti) — A convoy comprising heavy weapons and tanks detected in the Donetsk area by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Ukraine belongs to the independence supporters, deputy commander of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) militia Eduard Basurin told RIA Novosti Sunday.
"This convoy belongs to the independence supporters — to whom else could it belong?" Basurin said.
"The convoy was moved [from its initial location] for tactical reasons," he added.
The convoy was detected by the SMM the day before. It comprised more than 40 trucks, heavy weaponry and tankers; nevertheless, as the SMM was on the move, it could not inspect the convoy and its contents.
The OSCE's Special Monitoring Mission was deployed at Ukrainian government's request after the situation escalated in the country as the southeastern regions of the country refused to recognize the legitimacy of the new government that came to power following a February coup. The monitors are meant to contribute to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security in Ukraine and on the Russian-Ukrainian border.