×
Enjoying ad-free content?
Since July 1, 2024, we have disabled all ads to improve your reading experience.
This commitment costs us $10,000 a month. Your support can help us fill the gap.
Support us
Our journalism is banned in Russia. We need your help to keep providing you with the truth.

Polish Priest Abducted in Ukraine Released

Poland's Foreign Ministry said that a Polish Catholic priest who was abducted in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine has been released.

The priest, Pawel Witek, was reported missing Tuesday noon after he failed to show up for prayers in Donetsk.

Marcin Wojciechowski, spokesman for Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, said Wednesday that the "abducted priest" was "free, safe and sound" and under Polish diplomats' care. Poland's consul general in Donetsk, Jakub Wolasiewicz, had worked to obtain his release.

Poland's news agency PAP quoted a Polish bishop in Ukraine, Jan Sobilo, as saying Witek was held at the security service building which was under the control of the separatists.

The Foreign Ministry advised Poles against traveling to eastern Ukraine, where government forces are battling pro-Russian separatists.

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.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more