Dutch Experts Detect No Russian Military Activities in Rostov Region

The head of the Russian Defense Ministry's treaty control department said that the Dutch inspection group had found no military activities in the designated area that the Russian Federation should notify the OSCE under international obligations.

MOSCOW, February 20 (Sputnik) — The inspection by Dutch military specialists revealed no military activities on the part of Russia in the Rostov region bordering Ukraine, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry’s International Treaties Implementation Department told RIA Novosti on Friday.

"After the check, the Dutch inspection group's head said there were no military activities in the designated area that the Russian Federation should notify the OSCE under international obligations," Sergei Ryzhkov said.

Dutch military experts inspected 13,000 square kilometers (5,000 square miles) in Russia's Rostov Region bordering Ukraine, Sergei Ryzhkov added.

"The inspection took place in accordance with the Vienna Document and was carried out not only on the ground, but also with the help of helicopters," Sergei Ryzhkov said.

Dutch Military Inspect Same Area as Ukrainian Experts

Dutch military inspected the same area in the Rostov Region bordering Ukraine that Ukrainian specialists chose for inspection earlier, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry's treaty control department said Friday.

"It is important to point out that the area of inspection was for the most part the same zone Ukrainian specialists chose for inspection a week earlier," Sergei Ryzhkov said.

The Dutch military representatives held inspections in the Rostov Region between February 17 and 20. The inspections are held in accordance with the 2011 Vienna Document, stipulating measures of confidence-building and security.

The treaty control department said the inspection by the Dutch delegation would be the last check of the Russian territory by foreign military for 2015.

Kiev authorities and a number of western countries have accused Russia or providing military aid and troops to Donbas militias. Moscow has dismissed the allegations and denied any involvement in the armed conflict in Ukraine.