Russia's Defense Ministry has accused Ukraine of kidnapping two Russian servicemen on the annexed Crimean peninsula.
Agents from Ukraine's Security Services (SBU) detained Ensign Maksim Odintsov and Sergeant Alexander Baranov in Russian-held territory and transfered them to Ukraine on Nov.20, the Defense Ministry told the RIA Novosti news agency.
Officials labeled the detention as "yet another crude provocation" and said that the SBU would try to fabricate charges against the two men.
The SBU claim that Odintsov and Baranov formerly served in the Ukrainian army and switched sides after Russia's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in March 2014. The two servicemen were detained on charges of desertion while attempting to cross the border into Ukraine, an SBU spokesperson told the Interfax Ukraine news agency.
Odintsov and Baranov's detention follows a string of reported arrests of supposed Ukrainian "saboteurs" and "terrorists" in Crimea. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has denied any connection to the incidents.
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.
