Two Russian journalists that were detained near Slovyansk over the weekend are "alive and well," Ukrainian security forces said Sunday, as reported by Russian media outlets.
Cameraman Andrei Sushenkov and sound engineer Anton Malyshev of Russian television channel Zvezda were detained Friday on suspicion of having attempted to gather information about a checkpoint manned by the Ukrainian security forces, RIA Novosti reported.
The Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement on its website Saturday urging the journalists' prompt release. The statement went on to accuse Ukrainian authorities of "flagrantly violating the freedom of the media."
Also on Saturday, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered the use of "all legal measures" to ensure their prompt release.
Zvezda released a video message calling on foreign media outlets to help secure the freedom of Sushenkov and Malyshev by publicizing the case.
Since the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis, both Ukrainian authorities and pro-Russian separatists have been accused of interfering with coverage of the conflict.
Last month, two reporters from Russia's LifeNews channel were detained after Ukrainian authorities accused them of transporting an anti-aircraft missile in their vehicle.
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