A Briton, Shaun Pinnerwas freed as part of a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine, and he has since been reunited with his family.
In April, Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine arrested Mr. Pinner, 48, who was later found guilty of “mercenary actions” and given the death penalty.
Our correspondent Emma Birchley spoke to him at his mother and stepfather’s home near Sandy in Bedfordshire.
“It’s good to be home,” he said. “I’m looking forward to a steak dinner tonight!”
He was finally reunited with his mother, stepfather, sister, and son at Heathrow at 6 am.
For Mr Pinner’s mother, Debbie Price, the relief is overwhelming.
“It’s been a really, really hard time,” she said. “We are just so happy to have him home. It’s hugely emotional.”
The first hint Mr Pinner had that something was happening was after lunch on Tuesday.
“They said you have to roll your stuff up. They said you’re going on a long journey,” he said.
“We were moved to another location. We didn’t have any idea what was happening.”
He was later flown with other released captives to Saudi Arabia.
At 5.30 pm UK time yesterday, Mr Pinner was able to speak to his mother on the phone, from the Middle Eastern country.
“It’s very emotional, as you can imagine,” he said. “I really want to say thank you to everyone who helped us get out from the government of Saudi Arabia and also Liz Truss and Boris Johnson.
“The Saudis gave us a full MOT. Their hospitality was great,” he said.
“Our thoughts go out to those who hope to be exchanged soon,” he said, referring to the prisoner swap which resulted in his release.
He added that he has many friends still in Ukraine, as well as his wife. Today is their second wedding anniversary.
It’s hoped she will be able to get a visa to also come to the UK.
Mr Pinner’s sister Cassandra said she can’t believe how much changed in just 24 hours and described the feeling as “surreal”.
She knew something was up when her mother phoned her at work, after being contacted by the Foreign Office at just before midday yesterday.
Mr Pinner is yet to be fully debriefed by the Foreign Office and Intelligence Services.