Journalists need to leave Eastern Ukraine. It isn't welcome.

Three is a lot of people add to that violence in destroying a news agency and that equals more to come.

The Russians in Eastern Ukraine are frustrated with the fact there is no movement toward their side of the street as there was in Crimea. They aren't going to conduct themselves well, so why do it? The people of eastern Ukraine know their media is under attack. I don't think that will go over well. But, as long as the journalists persist in bringing information to the people, there will be more and more danger to them. 

There should be a voluntary media blackout. Make it obvious their region of the Ukraine is becoming very dangerous. If journalists can't practice their profession, then what is the next profession that won't be welcome. It won't stop there. 

The Russians in eastern Ukraine are trying to start conflict. They want to provide a reason for Russia's military to cross the border. They want violence and they will attempt to incite it.

New York
April 23, 2014

Three local and international journalists (click here) are missing or being held hostage in eastern Ukraine, while unidentified assailants burned down the offices of a newspaper. The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Ukrainian authorities to ensure the safety of journalists covering the crisis. 

"All sides in Ukraine's continuing crisis are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of journalists. We call on anyone holding a journalist against his or her will to release them immediately," CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. "These attacks on the media are clearly intended not just as a message to the victims but as a warning to all journalists not to report independently on the region." 

Ukrainian photojournalist Yevgeny Gapich has not been heard from since speaking to his family on Tuesday morning from the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka, according to the independent Ukrainian news website Telekritika. Gapich had used a code word on the phone that he and his wife used to signal being in danger. News reports said the journalist was accompanied by his brother, Gennady Gapich. Both have stopped responding to phone calls.... 

There is something strange happening in Russia as well. President Putin has started a cultural agency. It was only a week, maybe two, the Russians in Russia started to legislate those with dual citizenship had to register. Now, there is a cultural ministry that will enforce standardization of the culture within the Russian borders. None of this sounds good.

It would be better and safer for the people of eastern Ukraine if there was a media blackout so there is no resistance with these soldiers. They simply need to get on with their lives. 

Kidnapping journalists with upcoming elections is also another attempt to disrupt those elections. The Russians don't want the elections, they want occupation. 

The Former Prime Minister that spoke today stated something very interesting. He said the reason the military is on the Ukraine border is because it give Russia 'something' to leverage power. In other words, if Russia removes soldiers from borders The West will recognize the Russia annexation of Crimea. This is escalating if the eastern Ukraine militias can't behave themselves.

At this point, if the eastern Ukraine media promises to go off the air, the militias may release those journalists they now hold hostage. I think it would be wise. It would be something that can be traded to the advantage of the militias. Any deescalation will benefit the people. It is the safety of the citizens that should come first. This is not about any other priority than being sure people are safe, living their lives and bringing families together.

Something The West has only started today with the Former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov at the Atlantic Council needs to go forward. The American people and Europeans know Putin. That is primarily the way they identify Russia's authority. That puts everyone in the world in a bubble that benefits Putin and his regime. It concentrates fear. If Americans and Europeans and other countries begin to hear from other party leaders, they will finally hear the voice of the Russian people in a multi-layered way. It will dissolve fear. It will also dissolve the understanding the militias are legitimate. 

When the world begins to hear the voices of other party leaders, Russians might actually begin to fact find, solve their problems and move their nation forward. The Russian people may be able to put their cultural integrity back on track to democracy and freedom. When other voices are heard and other faces are identified, Editorials will be written in Western news media. It's all good. We need to open the avenues for political change in Russia and I don't know why this hasn't been the process the entire time.  

The public appearance of Former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov broke down a wall today. It broke down the Iron Curtain and I'd like it gone forever.

Simon needs to come home to his family. He has conducted a valiant effort in the way he understood his job, but, it wasn't appreciated in a way that freedom he understands is appreciated. He had no idea he would become hated. His is innocent and doesn't deserve such hatred. He believed he was doing a good and necessary job. We want him home where he can continue to practice his profession in the culture he understands best. He never intended any harm in any way.