By Maya Rhodan
A United Nations special envoy cut his trip to Ukraine short Wednesday after being trapped in a cafe by militants, British television station ITV reports.
United Nations representative Robert Serry was briefly held in a coffee shop while protesters chanted “Putin” outside. An ITV reporter, James Mates, was with the Dutch diplomat in the coffee shop and live-tweeted the incident:
United Nations Deputy Secretary Jan Eliasson condemned the actions, noting that although Serry was not kidnapped—as early reports suggested—he was “seriously threatened.” Serry was able to leave the area and reach the airport safely. He is returning to Kiev on Wednesday.
[ITV]
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Caitlin Clark Is TIME's 2024 Athlete of the Year
- Where Trump 2.0 Will Differ From 1.0
- Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com