UN Special Envoy ‘Seriously Threatened’ in Crimea

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:

UN special envoy Robert Serry's assistant says she saw at least one man with a gun among group who blocked his car. #Ukraine

— James Mates (@jamesmatesitv) March 5, 2014

He refused to go with men blocking car, got out and walked until he found coffee shop. He's asked ITV News team to stay with him. #Ukraine

— James Mates (@jamesmatesitv) March 5, 2014

Robert Serry finally on his way to the airport, police having forced a way through an angry crowd. #crimea

— James Mates (@jamesmatesitv) March 5, 2014

Very unpleasant incident over. Robert Serry said v happy to leave #crimea if it helped de escalate the situation.

— James Mates (@jamesmatesitv) March 5, 2014

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]