Two Alabama veterans who were being held captive by Russian-backed forces in Ukraine have been freed, according to the men’s families and a member of Congress.
Alex Drueke and Andy Huynh had joined the Ukrainian army when their unit came under fire on June 9. On June 15, the families received evidence of their capture — two days after learning they were missing in action.
The family of Drueke received a call from the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, his aunt, Dianna Shaw, told WBRC.
After identifying herself during the call, his mom, Lois “Bunny” Drueke, spoke to her son.
“He sounded strong, spoke clearly, was thinking clearly, sounded like himself,” Shaw recounted.
Rep. Robert Aderholt confirmed both men were at the embassy in Riyadh undergoing medical evaluations.
Both men will return to the United States at an undetermined time.
“I know we all look forward to seeing them back safely, on American soil,” Rep. Aderholt said.
The two men were freed as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, reportedly brokered by Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday that 10 prisoners from Morocco, the U.S., the UK, Sweden and Croatia had been freed.
British Prime Minister Liz Truss tweeted that five British prisoners were among the freed.
“Hugely welcome news that five British nationals held by Russian-backed proxies in eastern Ukraine are being safely returned, ending months of uncertainty and suffering for them and their families,” Truss said.
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