Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have released one of eight European military observers being held hostage.  The Swedish officer was freed on medical grounds, while the militants paraded the rest of them before the media – a move described as “revolting” by Germany, the native country of four of the team.

“It is Russia’s duty to influence the separatists so that they release the members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission as quickly as possible,” said Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in a statement, adding that the “public display” of the mission, which he insists, “scandalously violates every rule and standard.”

As the other men sat nervously eyeing their surroundings, Germany military Colonel Axel Schneider answered inquiries from reporters.  He ironically referred to himself and his team as “guests” under the “protection” of Vyachislav Ponomaryov, the self-proclaimed “people’s mayor” of Slovyansk and leader of the pro-Moscow militias.  Schneider wouldn’t say they were prisoners of war, but added, “I cannot go home on my free decision.”  Col. Thomas Johansson, a Swedish officer with diabetes, was released.

Schneider also insisted the men had diplomatic status under the so-called Vienna Document of 2011 which allows signatories to invite OSCE military observers.  Kiev has condemned Moscow and the militants of using the Europeans as a “human shield”.