MOSCOW, April 24 (RIA Novosti) – Russia should use its influence to secure the release of US journalist Simon Ostrovsky, who is being held by pro-federalization activists in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slaviansk, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki has said.
“We likewise condemn the taking of any hostages, including journalists in eastern Ukraine. We call for their immediate release and call on Russia to use its influence to ensure they’re freed immediately,” Psaki said Wednesday at a news briefing.
“We have also raised our concerns with Ukrainian officials as they work with local authorities to try to de-escalate the security situation,” she said.
International media reported Monday that Ostrovsky, working for US documentary maker Vice News, went missing while covering pro-federalization protests in Slaviansk.
Protest leader Vyacheslav Ponomaryov confirmed Wednesday that Ostrovsky had been captured by pro-federalization activists who suspect him of being an informant for the Right Sector ultranationalist movement.
Ponomaryov said Ostrovsky was being treated well and given food. He had earlier said that Ostrovsky was in Slaviansk, but was busy working.
Self-defense forces earlier denied the reports of Ostrovsky’s detention, calling his disappearance "a PR campaign."
After deadly attacks on protesters on Sunday, Slaviansk has remained a hotspot for demonstrations despite the Kiev interim government’s vow to crack down on the pro-federalization drive inspired by last month’s referendum in Crimea.
Federalization supporters in the eastern cities of Kharkiv, Donetsk, Gorlovka, Slaviansk and Kramatorsk have refused to recognize the legitimacy of the current Ukrainian government and have demanded a Crimea-style referendum on the status of their regions.
