European military observers taken captive in Ukraine
A pro-Russia gunman keeps watch before the start of a news conference with observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Seven observers and one interpreter for the group were taken prisoner along with four Ukraine army officers last week outside Slovyansk during their inspection trip across southeastern Ukraine. (Sergei L. Loiko / Los Angeles Times)
A gunman watches over the news conference in Slovyansk, Ukraine. Three German OSCE observers, a Pole, a Dane, a Czech and a German interpreter are being held prisoner in Slovyansk by pro-Russia gunmen. (Sergei L. Loiko / Los Angeles Times)
Self-proclaimed mayor of Slovyansk, Vyacheslav Ponomaryov, left, stands with head of the OSCE group of inspectors, Col. Axel Schneider, a German, who said those being held were not hostages but “guests” of Ponomaryov. (Sergei L. Loiko / Los Angeles Times)
Pro-Russia gunmen watch the news conference in Slovyansk, Ukraine. (Sergei L. Loiko / Los Angeles Times)
Self-proclaimed mayor of Slovyansk, Vyacheslav Ponomaryov, prepares for the news conference. Gunmen earlier had released one of the observers. “The guy was from Sweden, which is not a NATO country, and we released him today to show that we are good negotiators,” Ponomaryov said. “Tomorrow will bring more food for thought.” (Sergei L. Loiko / Los Angeles Times)