Ukrainian pilot Savchenko released by Russia
PR dla Zagranicy
Paweł Kononczuk
25.05.2016 16:56
The Russian authorities have freed Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko after almost two years in jail as part of a prisoner swap.
Nadiya Savchenko speaks to journalists after arriving at the Boryspil International airport near Kiev, Ukraine. Photo: EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO
Savchenko, who arrived in Kiev on Wednesday, was released as part of a deal in which two Russians detained in Ukraine were handed over to Moscow.
Savchenko was sentenced to 22 years in jail after she was found guilty in March on charges connected with the deaths of two Russian journalists.
She was accused of directing artillery fire in an operation in eastern Ukraine, as a result of which the journalists died.
Shortly before her release, Savchenko received a pardon from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin said his decision came after a request from the families of the two Russian journalists.
Savchenko had denied the charges against her, and her lawyer claimed she had been kidnapped by pro-Russian rebels prior to the deaths of the journalists. (pk)