Yahoo News Fears For 'Kidnapped' US Reporter In Ukraine
US officials say they are "deeply concerned" following reports an American journalist has been kidnapped by pro-Russian insurgents in Ukraine.
Simon Ostrovsky, who was working for Vice News, and Irma Krat, a Ukrainian journalist working for a pro-Kiev outlet, were reportedly detained while operating in the east Ukraine city of Slavyansk.
Ms Krat has been accused of "war crimes" during the protests that toppled the Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovych, according to her lawyer.
But there are conflicting reports concerning the wellbeing of Mr Ostrovsky.
US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said: "We are deeply concerned about the reports of a kidnapping of a US citizen journalist in Slavyansk, Ukraine, reportedly at the hands of pro-Russian separatists.
"We condemn any such actions, and all recent hostage takings in eastern Ukraine, which directly violate commitments made in the Geneva joint statement.
"We call on Russia to use its influence with these groups to secure the immediate and safe release of all hostages in eastern Ukraine.
"We have also raised our concerns with Ukrainian officials as they work with local authorities to try to de-escalate the security situation in and around Slavyansk."
However Slavyansk rebel leader Vyatcheslav Ponomarev said Mr Ostrovsky "is not being detained, was not abducted" and "has not been arrested".
He added that the American was "working" in a rebel-occupied building, however the usually prolific Twitter feed of Mr Ostrovsky has been inactive for a day.
Stella Khorosheva, who is a spokeswoman for Mr Ponomarev, said that Mr Ostrovsky "is alive and healthy. No physical harm has come to him."
She added: "Very often people say he is a hostage. Let's see what that means. Hostage means that we want to exchange him for someone. (That's) absurd from the very start. He was detained after he became suspicious."
Vice News said it was "aware of the situation, and is in contact with the US State Department and other appropriate government authorities to secure the safety and security of our friend and colleague, Simon Ostrovsky."
