Ukrainians held prisoner for years in Russia return to Kyiv

Olena Pekh cries while she speaks to her daughter via a video call in Kyiv (Alex Babenko)

Ten Ukrainians who had been held prisoner for years were released from Russian captivity on Friday with the mediation of the Vatican, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Part of the group arrived overnight by helicopter at Kyiv International Airport, which has been closed since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.