The family of a British prisoner of war who was sentenced to death by pro- Russian separatists have spoken of their relief after he was finally released.
Shaun Pinner, 48, from Watford was one of five Brits released from detention in Ukraine this week following mediation talks brokered by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The British army veteran was captured along with 28-year-old Aiden Aslin back in April while fighting in Ukraine before appearing in court in the separatist Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).
He was later convicted of 'taking action towards violent seizure of power' at a DPR court in what was widely described as a show trial, leaving family and friends back home devastated.
Shaun is now in Riyadh following his release, having been flown over to the Saudi Arabian capital on Wednesday along with nine other prisoners from across the globe.
His sister Cassandra Pinner said the family would now be celebrating following Shaun's escape to safety.
She told Mail Online : "I am just so relieved that my brother and the others will be home tomorrow.
"It has been hell for everybody but at last the worrying can stop for us.
"We must not forget all that is still happening in Ukraine, but for now our families can celebrate that our boys are home!"
It came as Russia and Ukraine took part in a surprise prisoner swap on Wednesday brokered by Turkey and Saudi Arabia which involved almost 300 people.
The biggest exchange of its kind since the beginning of the current conflict, it involved the release of 215 Ukrainians alongside foreign fighters, with Ukraine also sending back 55 Russians and pro-Moscow troops.
Reacting to the release of British nationals as part of the deal, UK Prime Minister Liz Truss said: "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."
