Russian proxies claimed he was a foreign mercenary, while Kyiv and Britain insisted he should be given protection under the Geneva Convention as an active member of Ukraine’s armed forces. Mr Ashlin was arrested along with Sean Pinner, 48, a former British army soldier, and sentenced to death by firing squad by the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic earlier this year. The Moroccan Brahim Saadoun was also convicted in the same sham trial. In a personal message recorded on their flight home, Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner thanked those who had worked to free them. “We are now out of the danger zone and going home to our families,” Mr Ashlin said. “By the skin of our teeth,” smiled Mr. Pinner. Mr Aslin continued: “We just want everyone to know the good news. Thanks to everyone who supported us. It’s really appreciated.” Along with the five freed Britons, Saudi authorities announced on Wednesday the release of two Americans, a Moroccan, a Swede and a Croat. They will soon be returned to their home countries, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The identities of the other British nationals remained unclear. The families of two US citizens – Alexander Drueke, 39, and Andy Huynh, 27 – who were captured in June while fighting in eastern Ukraine, have confirmed their release. Ann Linde, the Swedish foreign minister, confirmed that a Swedish citizen, who was arrested in May in the Mariupol port siege and was facing a possible death sentence, was among those freed. Prime Minister Liz Truss said: “Immensely 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. “I thank Volodymyr Zelensky for his efforts to secure the release of the prisoners and Saudi Arabia for their help.”
