In embrace of their families

Tears of joy as Kyiv troops go free

- Jan Disley

UKRAINIAN soldiers draped themselves in their national flag as they were reunited with loved ones in a major prisoner of war exchange with Russia.

Families hugged them and wept at a secret site in the north of the country. Some have been apart since soon after Russia invaded in February 2022.

Alina cried as she waited for her husband Oleksandr who was captured as he defended the south-east city of Mariupol.

She said: "I have so many emotions. It's been so difficult. I just want to see him." Anatoliy, held at Mariupol in 2022, said he was "over whelmed" to be free, adding: "Thank God this day has come.