Brits sentenced to death by Russia in Ukraine return to family after escaping 'danger zone' by 'skin of teeth'
The British fighters who were captured by Russian forces in Ukraine and sentenced to death have escaped and are being returned to their families. You can watch a clip of them sharing the good news below:
In an update posted on Instagram yesterday (21 September), Aiden Aslin, 28, from Nottinghamshire and Shaun Pinner, 48, from Bedfordshire, revealed they had made it out of the 'danger zone' by the 'skin of their teeth'.
The pair were seen on a plane looking tired yet relieved, saying that they were on their way home to the UK.
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Aiden went on to confirm that they weren't the only ones who had escaped, adding: "There was also in total 10 foreigners that were in captivity.
"We're going to be pretty quiet in regards to media stuff until we get things sorted out.
"We just wanted to let everyone to know the good news, so thanks to everyone who's been supportive of us."
"It's really muchly appreciated," he added as Shaun said: "Thank you to everyone."
The two British fighters were captured while battling Kremlin troops in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol amid Russia's invasion of the Eastern European country.
They were forced to surrender their position alongside Ukrainian troops back in April when they were intercepted by Russian forces.
Aslin, who goes under the name Cossack Gundi or Johnny online, and his friend have been running his social media accounts to keep people updated on the situation as it unfolded.
They were put on trial in the Russian-held eastern Ukraine and were sentenced to death in June for mercenary charges.
Other overseas fighters who went on trial and have since been released include Brits John Harding, Andrew Hill and Dylan Healy, as well as Vjekoslav Prebeg from Croatia and Sweden troop Mathias Gustafsson.
The news arrives after an outcry from international officials and families who fought to have them freed.
Hundreds of people have commented on the recent news that they're on their way home, with one writing: "Absolutely made my day that has."
Another said: "And now they're flying to meet their loved ones. The unending calvary they and their families were forced to endure is over at last."
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Topics: Ukraine, Russia, World News, UK News
Daisy Phillipson