Kyiv announces release of 3 Ukrainian sailors from Houthi captivity

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry and military intelligence agency secured the release of three Ukrainian crew members of the Galaxy Leader commercial vessel from the Houthi captivity in a “joint operation,” the ministry said in the statement on Jan. 23.

The news comes as the Yemeni rebel group released the crew of the ship captured in November 2023 as part of attacks on vessels sailing through the Red Sea corridor. The decision is seen as part of de-escalation efforts in the wake of the Gaza ceasefire.

In the statement, the Foreign Ministry did not provide further details on the release of the three Ukrainian citizens but said they are “in the care of Ukrainian diplomats, are in good condition, and have all the necessary documents."

The multinational crew of 25 also included sailors from Romania, Mexico, Bulgaria, and the Philippines.

Ukraine has led talks on the release of its citizens since the vessel was captured, the ministry said.