BERLIN — Berlin's Foreign Ministry on Sunday strongly advised Germans to avoid traveling to eastern areas of Ukraine due to the tense situation and said journalists risked being held by separatist forces there.
"The situation in eastern Ukraine is very tense at the moment," said the ministry, adding an increasing number of state institutions were occupied by armed individuals.
"In view of the latest developments, it must be assumed that representatives of the media are at special risk of being held or seized by separatist forces," it said in a statement.
See related stories:
Kidnapped U.S. Reporter Released in Ukraine
Pro-Russian Rebel Suspected of Role in Ukrainian Politician's Murder
Ukrainian Separatists to Discuss Release of Foreign Observers
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.