Ukrainian sailors have returned to Odessa after being freed from captivity by the Houthis.

In Odessa, sailors recently freed from captivity by Yemeni Houthis were welcomed home. Three Ukrainians spent 14 months in captivity, until November 2023.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing a publication from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on Telegram.

According to the GUR, the meeting of the sailors from the Galaxy Leader vessel with their families took place at the regional military-civilian administration building today, January 25.

"I still can’t believe I’m home... I am very grateful to everyone involved, especially the representatives of GUR. They were the first to get in touch with us. After that conversation, there were no more doubts or fears - they know about us, we will be returned," said Vitaliy, who was freed from captivity.

According to GUR representative Olga Mosendz, the return of the sailors home is the result of coordinated, prolonged efforts by many people.

"The special operation was carried out on the orders of the President of Ukraine and thanks to the comprehensive support of the Royal Office of the Sultanate of Oman," she added.

Recall that the operation by GUR and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for the release of three sailors from the crew of the Galaxy Leader vessel from Houthi captivity became known this week.

The operation, as stated by GUR, lasted over a year and involved a complex unofficial negotiation process with the Houthis and other relevant parties. The first contact with the Ukrainians was established back on April 3, 2024, five months after the Galaxy Leader vessel was seized.