Nottinghamshire's Aiden Aslin has recorded a message of thanks after he was released from captivity as a prisoner of war. He was among the five British nationals who have been freed after months spent in the imprisonment of Russian-backed forces in Ukraine.
The 28-year-old was fighting in areas of Ukraine - including in the city of Mariupol - where he surrendered to Russian forces. On June 9, Mr Aslin, along with fellow Briton Shaun Pinner and Moroccan national Saaudun Brahim, was sentenced to death for his fighting in Ukraine.
In a video on the plane home, Aiden, who is originally from Newark, issued a heartfelt thank you to all those who have pledged their support. Sitting next to Shaun Pinner, Aiden said: "We are now out of the danger zone and on our way home to our families." To which Shaun added: "By the skin of our teeth."
READ MORE: "Everyone in town" will be pleased by Aiden Aslin's release
Aiden went on and said: "We just want everyone to know the good news. Thanks to everyone who has been supportive. It is really appreciated."
Aiden's mum, Ang Wood from Newark, told the national press her son was a "very brave man". In a Telegraph article, she's quoted as saying: "If it's true it's a big relief. If it's all true I am very relieved. He [Aiden] is a very brave man. But I cannot comment [further] at the moment."
Saudi Arabia has been mediating talks between Ukraine and Russia on releasing 10 prisoners of war - five of them who come from the UK and one of whom is Aiden Aslin. A statement from Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry on Wednesday (September 21) confirmed that all 10 prisoners had been released.
They are all expected to be reunited with their families on Thursday (September 22) after a long and difficult wait, according to reports. Aiden and other British nationals, including Shaun Pinner, were five of ten foreigners fighting in Ukraine armed forces before they were captured by the Kremlin-back troops to be unexpectedly released on Wednesday (September 21).
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