“Extremely welcome news that five British nationals held by Russian-backed proxies in eastern Ukraine have been returned safely, ending months of uncertainty and suffering for them and their families,” Truss said.
Drueke’s aunt released a statement confirming the release of her nephew, 39, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Huynh, 27, of Hartselle, Alabama.
“We are excited to announce that Alex and Andy are free. They are safely at the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia and after medical checks and briefing will return to the United States. We deeply appreciate everyone’s prayers and especially the close communication and support of our elected officials, Ukrainian Ambassador Markarova and our members of the U.S. embassies in Ukraine and Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Department of State,” said Diana Shaw, a spokeswoman for both families and Drake’s aunt.
The families were unaware that a prisoner exchange was in the works.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the 10 freed prisoners were “released as part of the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine” and transferred to Saudi Arabia.
CNN previously reported that the two Americans were captured during a battle near Kharkiv. Their pro-Russian captors, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), are a self-proclaimed Russian-backed republic that has ruled a breakaway part of Ukraine’s Donetsk region since 2014.
Bunny Drueke, Alexander’s mother, and Huynh’s fiancé, Joy Black, told CNN in June that selflessness and love for the U.S. fueled their loved ones’ decision to go to Ukraine.
“He is one of the most loyal Americans you could ever hope to meet and he was proud to serve his country,” Drueke said of her son. “He said, ‘Mom, I really have to go help fight in Ukraine, because if Putin doesn’t stop there, he’s not going to be satisfied, he’s going to be emboldened, and ultimately the Americans are going to be threatened.’
Black said at the time that her fiance “didn’t go there for selfish reasons or anything. He really had this gnawing in his heart and this great burden on him to go and serve the world in any way he can.”
This story was updated with additional details on Wednesday.
CNN’s Devan Cole contributed reporting
