10 Ukrainians held prisoner for years in Russia return home after Vatican mediation

Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ten Ukrainians held prisoner for years by Russia have been released with the Vatican’s mediation. They arrived home overnight. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the release on Friday. Some of the civilians had been captured before Russia’s full-scale invasion. Two Ukrainian Greek Catholic priests were also among those freed. Pope Francis in an address on Saturday called for the release of all prisoners in the war. Many thousands, both civilians and military personnel, remain imprisoned.