6 Ukrainian sailors rescued from pirates

KYIV, Ukraine

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced Saturday the release of six Ukrainian sailors previously kidnapped by pirates in Nigerian territorial waters.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to Ukrainian diplomats and everyone who had a stake in the sailors' release.

"Our citizens are safe and we expect their return to their homeland soon," Zelensky wrote on Instagram.

A crew of eight, including six Ukrainians, were kidnapped Dec. 16, when pirates attacked the ship, Stevia, off the coast of Nigeria.

*Writing by Merve Berker