Ukraine secures release of four sailors detained by Iran in Strait of Hormuz

Ukraine has secured the release and return of four Ukrainian sailors who were detained by Iranian authorities earlier this year, a spokesperson for the country's Foreign Ministry said on June 24.

According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi, the sailors were among the crew members aboard the container ship Epimonidas, which was detained by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz in April, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media.

Tykhyi said Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, including its Consular Service Department and the Ukrainian Embassy in Greece, quickly identified the detained Ukrainian citizens and maintained contact with their families, the vessel's Greek owner, and other relevant parties to facilitate their release.

“Since then, the Ukrainian side has been working actively and persistently with all relevant institutions and parties,” Tykhyi said. “We are pleased to report that these efforts have yielded a positive result. Four of our citizens have already left Iranian territory.”

By Sabina Mammadli