Ukraine’s security officers have detained two Russian journalists covering the battles between the pro-autonomy forces and the army near Slavyansk.

      They have been identified as a Life News crew and the media outlet has already urged the Russian Foreign Ministry to assist in the release of the journalists.

      Ukraine’s defense ministry has confirmed the detention of Oleg Sidyakin and Marat Saichenko.

      Russian journalists have repeatedly complained of maltreatment on the part of Ukraine’s security forces. Some have been denied entry into Ukraine right on the border, some have been asked to leave the country.

      Many of the reporters are located in Slavyansk which has become the flashpoint town in the south-east of Ukraine.