The Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have successfully evacuated three Ukrainian sailors who had been held captive by Yemeni Houthis. The sailors, crew members of the Galaxy Leader cargo vessel, were captured in the Red Sea on November 19, 2023.
The operation to secure their release was a complex and prolonged effort, involving over a year of challenging informal negotiations with the Houthis and other parties linked to the detained vessel. Military intelligence first established direct contact with the sailors on April 3, 2024, providing them with assurances that Ukraine was actively working to secure their freedom. After months of dedicated efforts, the sailors were finally released on January 22, 2025.
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This mission was made possible with significant support from the Royal Office of the Sultanate of Oman. The sailors are now on their way to reunite with their families and will undergo rehabilitation to aid in their recovery.
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