Four crew members of the tanker Captain Khayyam, which was detained in the territorial waters of Libya on February 13, 2016, are returning to Ukraine.
Sailors Yevgeny Morar, Vladimir Tostogan, Oleg Voynerovsky and Pavel Chaika are already in their dear home, the press service of the President's Office reports.
In December 2017, the Libyan court sentenced four Ukrainians and other crew members of the tanker Captain Khayyam to 5 years in prison.
Since two sailors have health problems, representatives of Ukraine repeatedly raised the question of their release on humanitarian grounds before the Libyan side.
President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the release of Ukrainian citizens and noted that they will finally be able to celebrate Christmas with their family and friends.
The head of state also thanked the work of Ukrainian diplomats, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other departments, thanks to which the return of Ukrainians to their homes became possible.
"The Ukrainian state does not forget and does not leave its citizens in trouble. And we are doing everything possible, using all channels, so that Ukrainians who want to return home can do so. Because the state exists for the citizen, to protect his rights and freedom. And citizens protect our country. That's exactly how it should be," the president noted.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmitry Kuleba also keeps the process of return of sailors under control.
"President Volodymyr Zelenskyi always insists on observing one important and unshakable principle called "Ukraine does not abandon its own". This is a formula of respect for our state and citizens. Every time this principle is confirmed in practice, I am proud of Ukraine. And for native returning citizens, everything is easier. They will just finally be able to hug their loved ones," he said.
In February 2016, the Libyan Coast Guard detained the Sierra Leone-flagged Captain Khayyam ship in its territorial waters, whose crew included citizens of Ukraine, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. In March 2016, the crew was arrested on suspicion of smuggling oil products.
