Two Americans who have been held for months by Russian-backed forces were among 10 prisoners who have been released as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, according to multiple reports.
Officials with the Saudi Arabian foreign ministry said Wednesday that the prisoners have been transported from Russia to Saudi Arabia, and that officials are working to get them returned to their home countries.
Among the people released were 39-year-old Alex Drueke and 27-year-old Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, according to The New York Times. Dianna Shaw, Drueke’s aunt and a spokesperson for both families, confirmed their release in a statement, according to CNN.
“They are safely in the custody of the US embassy in Saudi Arabia and after medical checks and debriefing they will return to the States,” she said. “We deeply appreciate everyone’s prayers and especially the close communication and support of our elected officials, Ukrainian Ambassador (Oksana) Markarova, and our members of the …