A Russian sailor who spent approximately eight months in detention after surviving an attack by Yemeni Houthi rebels on his vessel has returned to his homeland following medical care in Sanaa, according to Yemen’s foreign ministry on Thursday.
Russian media reports identify the sailor as Aleksei Galaktionov, who served as crew aboard a Greek-operated cargo vessel that Houthi forces destroyed in July 2025. The mariner sustained injuries during the assault.
“The Russian citizen was transported on a United Nations aircraft, in coordination with the U.N. envoy,” the foreign ministry stated through the Houthi-controlled news agency, noting that his release occurred after completing his medical treatment.
Officials indicated the arrangement came about through discussions with Russian authorities and Iranian representatives.
The remaining ship crew members gained their freedom in December, according to sources from the vessel’s operating company and maritime security officials who spoke with Reuters.
The Iranian-backed Houthis destroyed the Liberian-registered Eternity C, which carried 22 crew members and three security personnel, using maritime drones and rocket-propelled grenades during attacks spanning two days.
Houthi forces have targeted over 100 vessels in what they described as support operations for Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. The group ceased their maritime attacks following a ceasefire announcement last October.
