Two British fighters, finally freed from Russian captivity, talked about the fact that they escaped “from the teeth”.
Aiden Aslin and Shawn Piner were among ten POWs, including five British citizens, who returned home safely Last night.
The weary couple thanked the efforts to free them.
In a video message, Mr Aslin said: “We just want to let everyone know that we are out of the danger zone, we are going home to our families.”
“We wanted to let everyone know the good news, thank you to everyone who supported us.”
Mr Pinner added that they fled “because of their teeth”.
Both men joined the Ukrainian army after moving to the country, starting a relationship and officially enlisting.
The couple was captured by Russian troops during the fighting in Mariupol.
prime minister Liz Truss announced the release of Mr Aslin and Mr Pinner last night, saying it ended “months of uncertainty and suffering for them and their families”.
She thanked Uladzimir Zelenskyi “for his efforts to free the detainees, as well as Saudi Arabia for their help.”
The move was made following the mediation of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
About 215 Ukrainian prisoners were also released overnight.
The first lady of Ukraine, Alena Zelenska, called this news “the day that the whole of Ukraine was waiting for.”
She wrote on Twitter: “The thoughts and joy of millions of Ukrainians are with them today.” We are grateful.”
Last night her husband posted a video message, citing Vladimir Putin’s alarming plans to mobilize thousands of new Russian troops.
About 300,000 people can fight in Ukraine.
Vladimir Zelensky suggested that Russia’s decision to mobilize reservists shows that Moscow is not serious about negotiations to end the war.
Speaking via video at the meeting of the UN General Assembly of world leaders, he insisted that his country would win in repelling Russia’s attack and ousting its troops.
“We can return the Ukrainian flag to our entire territory. We can do it by force of arms,” the president said. “But we need time.”
Zelensky also highlighted what he called five non-negotiable peace conditions.
This is punishment for Russian aggression, restoration of security and territorial integrity of Ukraine, security guarantees.
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British prisoners freed by Russia tell of escape from ‘the danger zone’
