Kiev  - Ukrainian authorities on Friday blocked the entry of a Russian television cameraman, accusing him of helping produce a film containing "propaganda."

Igor Belokopytov, an employee of Russia's state-run television company Rossiya, was held by Ukrainian police after he arrived by plane from Moscow, an official at the Ukraine Border Troops command said. Belokopytov was to be sent back by the next available flight, the official said. Other members of a Russian television crew arriving with Belokopytov at Kiev's Boryspil airport were permitted into Ukraine, the Interfax news agency reported.

Russian media reported that Ukrainian officials jailed Belokopytov after performing a body search.

Ukrainian media, citing Ukraine Border Troops officials, and a statement on the Border Troops' website, said Belokopytov was being held in a private lounge at the airport.

A recent television documentary produced by Rossiya, and using tape shot by Belokopytov, reported Ukrainian mercenaries and regular army troops had fought against Russian forces during the 2008 South Ossetia War.

Ukraine's government has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Belokopytov is a close associate of Russian journalist Arkady Mamontov, a veteran Rossiya television reporter known for close links to the Kremlin.

Ukrainian policy towards foreign media is relatively open. However, since 2005, the country's pro-Europe government has moved to limit access by Russians who publicly challenge Ukraine's right to exist during visits to Ukraine.

Russians blocked from entering Ukraine include Moscow Mayor Yury Luzkhov, and Russian nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky. Both called for Russia to annex portions of Ukraine during visits to Crimea province.(dpa)