The Galaxy Leader crew members were held captive by Yemeni Houthis for 14 months.
The men released from captivity as a result of the operation of the Main Intelligence Directorate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have arrived home in Odessa, the Main Intelligence Directorate reports.
“I don’t even realize that I’m already home… I am very grateful to everyone involved, and especially to the representatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate. They were the first to contact us. After this conversation, there was no longer any doubt or fear – they know about us, they will return us,” said Vitaly, who was released from captivity.
Earlier, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, returned home three sailors, members of the crew of the Galaxy Leader vessel, who had been held captive by the Yemeni Houthis for 14 months – since November 2023.
“What happened today is the result of the coordinated, long-term work of a large number of people. The special operation was carried out on the instructions of the President of Ukraine and thanks to the comprehensive support of the Royal Office of the Sultanate of Oman,” said the representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Olga Mosyondz, during a meeting of sailors at the Odessa Regional State Administration.