You're reading: UK Embassy probing arrest of journalist Phillips in Ukraine

The British Embassy in Moscow is ready to provide consular support, if need be, in relation to the detention of British journalist Graham Phillips in Ukraine.

Phillips cooperates with Russia Today, a Russian Kremlin-backed television channel.

“We are aware of the reports concerning the arrest of a British
subject in Ukraine. We are urgently investigating the circumstances of
this incident and are ready to provide consular support, if need be,” a
representative of the British Embassy in Moscow on May 20.

British journalist Graham Phillips, who cooperates with Russia Today,
has been held in Ukraine, Russia Today said on its website earlier on
Tuesday.

“A freelance journalist from the United Kingdom, Graham Phillips, who
cooperates with the RT television channel, has been detained by
Ukrainian security forces,” the statement said.

Phillips told RT that he was held by representatives of the Ukrainian
National Guard at a checkpoint in Mariupol, the statement said. The
journalist was questioned and asked to show his accreditation ID. “A
letter confirming his cooperation with the RT television channel did not
satisfy the National Guard representatives,” the television channel’s
spokesperson said.

Phillips was held “prior to the arrival of officials,” RT said on its website.

Phillips told RT that the Ukrainians had explained to him that he was under arrest and could not leave.