Simon Ostrovsky Questions 'Mayor' of Sloviansk: Russian Roulette in Ukraine (Dispatch 29)

Before VICE News correspondent Simon Ostrovsky was detained on April 21 and held by pro-Russia separatists in Sloviansk, he filed this dispatch featuring an interview with his future captor, the city's self-appointed "people's mayor," Vyacheslav Ponomarev. Simon was released on Thursday.

Simon went to Sloviansk to investigate reports of a shooting at a checkpoint outside of the city on Easter Sunday. At least three people were reportedly killed in the incident. Pro-Russia forces and Russian media outlets quickly blamed the Ukrainian nationalist group Right Sector for the assault. After interviewing local Ukrainian police, who couldn't confirm the number of deaths, Simon attended a briefing where he questioned Ponomarev directly about the alleged shooting.

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[BinkieMcFartnuggets]

0:18 At least Ukraine's auto industry is doing well.

[spoons]

As 'disconnected' as I am from Simon, I've never been more relieved to see such a person safe and still at it. Glad you're back Simon. 

[AnGhaeilge]

Simon has been released. Confirmed by Vice's twitter account. 

[RiotHouseLP]

Stay strong Simon your setting the bar of journalism up high.  Just where it belongs and needs to remain.

[Praylak]

Simon was detained, his hands were tied, he was blind-folded, then he was beaten. Fucking cowards have to blindfold and tie you up before they beat the shit out of you.

Then they decided to treat him nice, and release him. WTF?  

[Bankside]

Great news to hear that Simon has been released.  Hoping he is well.

[tehkoalainsurgency]

If you watch the dispatches from the start you will see pro-Russian Crimeans and Eastern Ukranians refuse to talk. Those first response soldiers didn't say ONE WORD, NOTHING. Then when pro-Russian people were interviewed they defended the Russian invasion with words that clearly evoked Soviet nostalgia. The rest of the people interviewed gave pretty weak reasons as to why this geo-political move was smart, let alone talk about the repercussions for the future. This was all very short-sighted. 

On another note, we need to increase economic punishment on Russia. We need to freeze their assets, impose an embargo on Russia, and gather the whole international community behind this. Ukraine, you are not alone.

[coopjsn]

I know this is older news, but there is simply nowhere to find insightful, on-the-ground journalism like this anymore. So well done. Simon is quite brave to get in the mix. Excellent work.

[JohnSmith-byfl]

  Prayers go out to Simon, that dude has tremendous audacity and determination! It takes guts, to stick a camera, in the face of a 6'5",  hooded goon,  holding a loaded machine gun... I hope, after his release, he goes right back to his important work.
     It is sad, and frustrating,  to see the people of Ukraine, and U.S. journalists,  being pushed around, and dominated, by Russian thugs... At a time when so many are critical of the United States government (and rightfully so), I think we should also be aware of how lucky we are,  to live in this country.
     It is alarming, to see someone taken hostage by a group of criminals, because he is dangerous to their depraved, corrupt and power thirsty intensions, with no one around to get in their way.
    Say what you will about the USA, we are FAR...FAR,  from perfect. One should also realize, as an American, how fortunate you are,  when you can say what you choose to say, and not need to worry, about the secret police breaking down your door, and taking you away!  HANG IN THERE SIMON !

[wazz]

Im Glad you are ok Simon - you do the best job i have seen any journo do. !!!

[human]

The "pro Russian" Ukrainians fit the definition of Traitor:

trai·tor
ˈtrātər/Submit
noun
noun: traitor; plural noun: traitors
1.
a person who betrays a friend, country, principle, etc.
" a sellout to the enemy"
synonyms: betrayer, backstabber, double-crosser, renegade

Simon was kidnapped and beaten by these traitors.  These people need to be dealt with.  It has been proven that there are Russian Army and Intelligence agents on the ground in eastern Ukraine who are organizing and taking part in these actions.

Anyone who can deny Russian involvement at this point is either a paid shill or an idiot.

If armed separatists were in the United States doing this...they would already be dead.  I commend the Ukrainians for their restraint.

Ukraine has every right to forcefully regain control of these regions through the use of force.  In an earlier dispatch we saw that the Ukrainian Military was surrounded and forced to disarm by the separatists, I believe that is because they were dying not to give cause to Russia for an invasion pre text.   I believe that time has passed. It is a forgone conclusion, at least to me, that Russia will invade at some point.

After the invasion has begun, the United States will impose stricter sanctions on Russia.  In response, Russia may lash out and widen the conflict, attacking a NATO member.   We know what will happen then....

Just keep in mind that this is a possibility because the reason Japan Attacked the USA was because we put oil sanctions on them.  

History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme.

BTW, to the people who keep posting hostile words on my channel, don't waste your time.  I will just delete anything overtly rude and ban you from my channel.   Im glad I make you idiots angry ;-).

[KBMamba]

I hope he is okay and hasn't been harmed, glad to hear he got rescued. Good work man.

[thatguy]

I was very happy to read of Mr. Ostrovsky's release.  He is exactly what a top-notch journalist should be: brave, inquiring and very informative.

[JangoPeppers]

Keep up with News Simon! These dispatches are seriously appreciated!

[bradyjames]

Poor simon was kidnapped and held hostage apparently he's ok now man the crew on vice sure puts there lives on the line to document reality mad props to you guys

[Sutaraiku]

Eagerly anticipating Dispatch 30. Thank you based Simon & Crew.

I just hope he will continue working and making good reportings just like he has been doing it so far.

[truthbtold]

I love this guys work. His ability to speak their language, gets him right in there.

[Morehills]

Simon gives by far the best reports from the Ukraine, and I don't see any bias as we get from the US media.   I hope that he is able to get back to work soon.

[araincs]

You know someone is doing real journalism when people arrest them rather than let them show the world whats happening