Krym.Realia journalist Vladyslav Yesipenko has been freed following four years of detention in Russian-annexed Crimea, according to the news outlet.
Reports of Esipenko's release emerged late yesterday. Stephen Capus, President and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, expressed gratitude to both U.S. and Ukrainian officials for securing the journalist's freedom in an official statement.
"Vladislav endured over four years of wrongful imprisonment for crimes he never committed. The truth he reported about Russian-occupied Crimea came at an unbearable cost—he suffered both physical and psychological torture. While we rejoice in his reunion with his wife Katerina and daughter Stefania, we must not overlook the suffering Russia's authorities inflicted on his family," Capus stated.