Three Ukrainian sailors return to Odesa after 14-month in Yemeni Houthis’ captivity
Three Ukrainian sailors held by Yemen’s Houthi rebels have returned to Ukraine, as announced by intelligence officials and Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper on 25 January.
“Today in Odesa, we welcomed our three sailors who returned home after being held captive by Yemeni Houthis. Families who waited for their loved ones day after day finally embraced them at home,” Kiper said.
The Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) specified that the sailors were freed in a joint operation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The reunion with their families took place at the Odesa Oblast Military Administration building.
“What happened today is the result of coordinated long-term work by many people. The special operation was carried out on the orders of the President of Ukraine and thanks to comprehensive support from the Royal Office of the Sultanate of Oman,” said Intelligence Directorate spokesperson Olha Mosondz.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Main Intelligence Directorate announced on 23 January about the “successful joint operation” to free three Ukrainian sailors from Houthi captivity.
RFE/RL says that the pro-Iranian group Ansar Allah better known as the Houthis movement, which controls part of Yemen’s territory, announced the release of Galaxy Leader vessel crew members captured. According to the group, 25 crew members were freed through Omani mediation, including citizens of Ukraine, the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, and Mexico.
Related:
- UK intel: Russia’s Mediterranean presence in doubt after Assad regime collapse
- Bellingcat: Russia likely supplies stolen Ukrainian grain to Yemeni Houthis
- Ukraine ready to deliver grain to Syria to prevent food crisis after Assad’s fall
- FT: Houthis help Russia recruit Yemeni mercenaries for war in Ukraine
- European Parliament: release Galaxy Leader crew, including Ukrainians, captured by Houthis
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.
We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.
