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Tag: Russia

  • Russia Prisoner Swap: Freed Americans Reunite with Families | Latest Updates

    Americans Freed in Russia Prisoner Swap Reunite with Families

    On December 30, 2019, three Americans who were imprisoned in Russia for various charges were released as part of a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia. The exchange also saw the release of two Russian nationals who were convicted of espionage in the US. After spending years behind bars in a foreign country, these Americans were finally able to return home and reunite with their families.

    The three Americans, Paul Whelan, Trevor Reed, and Michael Calvey, were all arrested for different reasons but shared the experience of being held captive in a foreign prison. Whelan, a former US Marine, was arrested in a Moscow hotel in December 2018 and charged with espionage. Reed, a 29-year-old student, was arrested in August 2019 after being accused of assaulting police officers while drunk. Calvey, a US citizen and prominent investor, was arrested in February 2019 on embezzlement charges.

    Their release was the result of months of negotiations between the US and Russian governments. It was a moment of relief and joy for the families of these prisoners who had been anxiously waiting for their loved ones to come home. The reunion between the freed Americans and their families was emotional and heartwarming.

     

    Source: BBC

  • Homecoming Triumph: Ukrainians Released from Russian Captivity Return to Kyiv

    Homecoming Triumph: Ukrainians Released from Russian Captivity Return to Kyiv

    In a heartening development, ten Ukrainians long held captive in Russia have finally returned to Kyiv, marking a significant humanitarian breakthrough mediated by the Vatican, as announced by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday. Among those liberated were individuals like Nariman Dzhelyal, deputy head of the Mejlis, who had been seized from Crimea a year before the conflict erupted, despite living there post-annexation.

    The returnees, some detained even before Russia’s invasion, landed at Kyiv International Airport under the cover of night, a poignant moment as the airport reopened for the first time since the onset of hostilities over two years ago. Transported by helicopter and bus, they were warmly greeted in a scene of emotional reunions with loved ones draped in the national colors.

    Among them were Isabella Pekh, who had tirelessly campaigned internationally for her mother’s release from Donetsk region’s occupied territories, finally achieving success after six harrowing years. Olena Pekh, an art historian, spoke of her ordeal, expressing profound gratitude for the support that sustained her during captivity.

    The group also included clergy, such as Father Bohdan Heleta, seized in 2022 from his church in Berdiansk, underscoring the diverse backgrounds of those held and the broad impacts of their prolonged absence on their communities.

    While over 3,310 Ukrainians have been freed thus far, the joyous homecomings highlight the ongoing plight of thousands still detained, both civilians and military personnel, amidst the ongoing conflict.

    source: thestar.com