Moscow is condemning the staged death of journalist Arkady Babchenko as an "anti-Russian provocation". Journalistic organizations are also reacting, saying the operation discredits reporters, as well as Ukraine. The staged murder is being described as an attempt to foil a Russian assassination plot. And Babchenko is apologizing to his friends and family for misleading them. Jessica King has more from Moscow.

Joy, and tears. Arkady Babchenko's colleagues at ATR TV in Ukraine celebrate the news that the Russian journalist is alive.

KHRYSTYNA BONDARENKO CHIEF EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, ATR TV "I'm waiting to see Babchenko and tell him few words. About flowers, about a portrait (of him with black ribbon), about 16 hours of horror we spent. We're really very happy. Thanks that he's alive."

PAVEL KANYGIN RUSSIAN JOURNALIST "It's unbelievable. Babchenko was dead. And now I can't believe, how can they really have performed this horrible, nerve-wracking and great staging."

It had been reported across the world that 41-year-old was murdered outside his apartment in Ukraine's capital, because of his journalism, which often criticised the Kremlin and President Putin.

Tributes poured in for the well-know war reporter. But then, a shocking twist in the murder story. Arkady Babchenko walked into a Ukranian Intelligence Service news conference - very much alive. Authorities said his death was staged - it was a sting operation to foil an alleged Russian plot to kill him.

While many are happy and relieved Babchenko is back from the dead, others are more critical, saying it undermines the credibility of journalists, and accusing Ukraine of spreading fake news.

The Kremlin describes it as "a provocation" against Russia.

JESSICA KING MOSCOW "Kiev has seen a number of deadly attacks on high-profile figures, including journalists and politicians. Most of them were vocal critics of the Kremlin. But this staged murder has raised some serious questions about deliberate misreporting, and puts more pressure on the already strained relationship between Russia and Ukraine. Jessica King, CGTN, Moscow."