Yulia Payevska released from Russian captivity

Ukrainian volunteer and paramedic Yulia Payevska (aka Taira) has been released from Russian captivity, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky in an evening address.

Journalist Andriy Tsaplienko published a video of Ms Payevskaya’s release from Russian captivity through Telegram. Mr Tsaplienko said, “The best exclusive tonight. ‘Taira’ is already in a safe place and thanks the president for everything that was done to release her.”

Taira issued a powerful and encouraging message to those who remain in Russian captivity, “Everyone on the other side will be at home like me.”  As a volunteer combat medic, Taira and her driver were taken prisoner by Russian occupiers on March 16 in Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast. Ukraine stressed that Ms Payevska is non-military.