American Journalist Detained in Ukraine Released
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Alexander KHUDOTEPLY/AFP/Getty Images(SLOVIANSK, Ukraine) — The American journalist who was detained in eastern Ukraine earlier this week has been released.
In a post on its website Thursday, VICE News said it “is delighted to confirm that our colleague and friend Simon Ostrovsky has been safely released and is in good health.”
“We would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. Out of respect for Simon and his family’s privacy, we have no further statement at this time,” the statement continued.
Ostrovsky, a VICE News reporter, later tweeted: “I’m out and safe. Thank you all for your support. Had no idea I had so many good friends.”
Vyacheslav Ponomarev, the self-proclaimed “People’s Mayor” of Sloviansk, Ukraine, told ABC News on Wednesday that Ostrovsky was spreading false, one-sided information and needed to be taught otherwise.
Responding to the news of the reporter’s release, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Thursday, “We welcome the news, of course, and would be greatly relieved by such a development. We do note that others, including journalists, remain hostage and call on Russia to use its influence to ensure that all are freed immediately.”
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