British fighter Aiden Aslin – held prisoner of war by Russia – has returned to his home.

Aiden was reunited with his family in Newark, Nottinghamshire, after being held captive for six months.

He was taken while fighting for Ukraine against the Russians.

After a “kangaroo court” trial Aiden was sentenced to death.

His mum, Angela Wood, told the BBC she was “elated” her son was home.

She added: “It still doesn’t feel real.

“I thought this day would never happen.

“His release happened overnight, I’m still in shock.

“The first thing I needed to do was to give him a big hug and make sure it was real.

“It still doesn’t feel real now.”

Aiden was in a group of ten foreign fighters released by Russia.

Saudi Arabia said it had brokered the deal between Ukraine and Russia.

Ms Wood only found out about Aiden’s released when the Foreign Office called to say he was on the way to the UK.

She said the people holding Aiden would phone and demand a ransom.

She added: “They put me and my family through nearly six months of pure hell of blackmail and propaganda.

“The death sentence was a big part of the emotional stress and torture for our family.

“At times, I never thought I would see him alive again.”

“The way he was treated whilst in captivity was inhumane, and against the Geneva conventions.

“Aiden is okay, but he will need time to adjust.

“He was being used for propaganda purposes, I’m so glad there will now be no more of that.

“Watching the propaganda videos was horrific, we knew it was all lies.”

“We as a family are really happy he is home safe and out of danger.

“Aiden will always be a hero to me.

“I’m very proud of him for defending Ukraine against Putin, and this war, which is Putin’s war.”