“Canada welcomes the news of Nadiya Savchenko’s release and safe return to Ukraine.

“Ms. Savchenko, a Ukrainian pilot, member of Ukraine’s parliament, and member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, had been unlawfully detained by Russia since June 2014 and was recently sentenced to 22 years in prison in Russia.

“She captured the world’s attention as an individual fiercely committed to her convictions and has reminded us all of the deeply human cost of conflict.

“The long-awaited decision to transfer Ms. Savchenko back to Ukraine marks an important, positive milestone in efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine’s Donbas region, and we are encouraged by the efforts of both Ukraine and Russia to achieve a mutually acceptable outcome in Ms. Savchenko’s case. Looking ahead, we are hopeful that other prisoners held by Russia on politically motivated grounds will be released.

“Canada wishes Ms. Savchenko a speedy return to full health and strength in her Ukrainian homeland.”

 http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=1072819&tp=980