Two U.S. veterans who joined the fighting in Ukraine against Russia returned home Saturday after spending three and a half months in captivity, reports CBS News.
Russia released Alex Drueke, 40, and Andy Huynh, 27, as part of a prisoner swap. Both traveled to Ukraine on their own and both happen to be from Alabama, although they did not know each other.
According to Reuters, the two are thought to be the first U.S. citizens captured in the Ukrainian conflict.
The U.S. Embassy described both as in “pretty good shape.” Huynh’s fiance, Joy Black, said he felt compelled to join the Ukrainian resistance forces.
“When Andy saw this footage coming out of Ukraine he said he couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, was just consumed by the horror that these innocent civilians were going through,” said Black.
Black excitedly recalled hearing her fiance after months of uncertainty.
“It was just so amazing to finally get to hear his voice again and speak to him,” Black said. “I was still kind of in shock, so I was like ‘How do I know it’s really you?’ and he said this inside joke we have between each other and instantly I was like, ‘It’s him. It’s really him.’”
Black promised he would get his favorite dish as soon as he returned to Alabama-spaghetti and meatballs.
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