The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense conducted a joint operation to free three Ukrainian sailors held captive by the Houthis, who were on the vessel Galaxy Leader.
This was reported by the press service of the Main Intelligence Directorate on Telegram on January 23.
Trump signed a decree recognizing Yemeni Houthis as terroristsAccording to Trump's decree, the Yemeni Houthis will be listed as foreign terrorist organizations under immigration and nationality law. The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, successfully evacuated three Ukrainian sailors, crew members of the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader, who were held captive by the Yemeni Houthis, – the statement reads.
As is known, three Ukrainian sailors were detained during the seizure of the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader in November 2023. They were captured by the Yemeni Houthis at that time.
The operation to free the sailors lasted over a year and involved a complex informal negotiation process with the Houthis and other related parties.
The first contact with the captured Ukrainians was established on April 3, 2024, five months after the vessel was taken.
Currently, the released sailors are safe and under the care of Ukrainian diplomats. They are all in good physical condition and are on their way to meet their families, after which they will undergo rehabilitation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Main Intelligence Directorate expressed gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman for their attention to the sailors' fate and assistance in securing their release from captivity.
We remind you that a total of 25 crew members from Ukraine, Bulgaria, the Philippines, and Mexico were on board the seized vessel Galaxy Leader. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine immediately took control of the situation.
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