A Nottinghamshire man has returned home to his family after "traumatic" months being held prisoner by Russian Forces. Aiden Aslin, of Balderton near Newark, returned home shortly before 2.30pm on Thursday, September 22.
The 28 year old arrived in Balderton with his brother Nathan, and two other individuals. His mum and grandma, Angela Wood and Pam Wells, had met him earlier that day at Heathrow Airport, and returned shortly before he did.
Aiden was released on Wednesday, September 21, along with nine other prisoners of war after Saudi Arabia had been mediating talks between Ukraine and Russia. Five of the prisoners were from the UK, including Aiden and Shaun Pinner.
Read More: Aiden Aslin's mum's 'huge relief' as son freed from Russian forces
Ahead of his return, a neighbour had made a welcome home Aiden sign, and placed it next to the family's door. Upon his arrival to the family home, Aiden said: "Please respect the traumatic experience we've been through.
"When I'm ready to talk to the media, I'll talk to the media. I just want to say, I want to thank everyone, especially (Ukraine President) Zelensky and the Saudis and just everyone else involved."
Since his capture, Aiden's family have been campaigning for his release and organised a protest to free Aiden and the other prisoners over the summer. After finding out about Aiden's release, his mum Angela had said: "I didn't know if this day would ever come."
Despite months of being captured, Aiden appeared to return home in good spirits. Residents across the village are pleased to see Aiden return, many fearing he would not do so after he was sentenced to death on June 9.
Aiden spent the rest of the afternoon inside with his family, although an important letter was dropped off to the family home at around 4pm. It has been reported that Aiden is limited in what he can say at the moment, and is waiting to be debriefed by the Home Office.
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