The mum of a hero British soldier released from a Russian death sentence says she didn't think the "day would ever come".
Aiden Aslin's mum Ang Wood says she is "overjoyed" and "hugely relieved" after her son was freed following mediation talks between Ukraine and Russia led by Saudi Arabia
The 28-year-old had flown to the war-torn country to join the battle, but was captured in April by Russian forces while he was fighting in areas of Ukraine.
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He surrendered to Russian soldiers in Mariupol and was due to face a firing squad after being sentenced to death.
But it emerged on Wednesday (21/9) Aiden would be among ten prisoners of war being freed following mediation talks between Ukraine and Russia led by Saudi Arabia.
Today (Thursday) Aiden's mum said she was 'still in a state of complete shock' and her focus was now on getting her son home safely.
Ang, of Balderton, Notts., said: "There's not really much I can say right now, I'm just spending some time with my family as I'm still in a state of shock.
"The last 24 hours have been an absolute whirlwind and I'm just trying to get my head around everything."
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She added: "I'm obviously overjoyed and hugely relieved but my focus is on getting him home safely now."
"We haven't any indication when that will. I haven't been able to speak to him so far, we'll believe it once he is home but obviously its promising news.
"I'm just still in complete shock I think. It's quite emotional. I didn't know if this day would ever come. I'm still trying to process the news myself."
In a message recorded on their flight home last night, Aiden and fellow Brit Shaun Pinner, 48, thanked people for their support.
"We're now out of the danger zone and on our way home to our families," he said.
Newark MP Robert Jenrick said in a statement last night: "I am delighted that my constituent, Aiden Aslin, and the other British prisoners of war held captive by the Russian authorities have finally been released and are on their way back to the UK.
"I am deeply grateful for the work undertaken by the Ukrainian government, the Saudi Crown Prince, Liz Truss, James Cleverly and the dedicated civil servants working in the FCDO Detainees team to bring their horrific ordeal to a close.
"Aiden's return brings to an end months of agonising uncertainty for Aiden's loving family in Newark who suffered every day of Aiden's sham trial but never lost hope.
"As they are united as a family once more, they can finally be at peace."
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