If you're following the crisis in Ukraine, you've probably seen reporting from this guy: Simon Ostrovsky of Vice.
OSTROVSKY: "Adrenaline rush: check."
Ostrovsky has been all over Crimea and eastern Ukraine for months now, providing stripped-down, on-the-ground reporting for Vice.
But Tuesday, reports on Twitter began circulating, alleging Ostrovsky had been captured by pro-Russian militants. (Via Twitter / @nycjim)
And now Vice is confirming that, writing in a brief statement: "VICE News is 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."
Ostrovsky's confrontations with pro-Russian separatists have become a staple of his reports, often directly asking the militants, who everyone suspected of being sent by Russia, if they were indeed sent by Russia.
According to The Telegraph, the mayor of Slavyansk in eastern Ukraine confirmed Ostrovsky was being held in that city by pro-Russians. This is less than 50 miles from Ukraine's border with Russia. (Via Google)
Russia's mistreatment of journalists is no secret worldwide, and a writer at The New Republic says Tuesday's news is "evidence that Russia is exporting its harsh stance toward the press into these regions, viewing them as roadblocks on the road to conquest, and dealing with them accordingly."
Russian President Vladimir Putin denies any involvement from his country in eastern Ukraine, despite photographic evidence this week linking separatist militants to Russian intelligence agencies.
