Three Russians, Ukrainian freed in Libya: NGO head

Three Russians and one Ukrainian have been released from captivity in Libya, according to the head of a controversial Moscow-based political organisation, drawing attention to the Kremlin's role in conflict-torn Libya.

The head of Defence of National Values, a Russian organisation that is part of a media group linked to sanctioned business man Yevgeny Prigozhin -- made the announcement on Telegram on Saturday.

Alexander Malkevich said the four individuals had been "kidnapped" several weeks ago, but did not clarify their purpose in the country or specify who they had been detained by.

"Together with Russian diplomats, we channelled all of our efforts and solved this difficult but extremely important task -- to return our people home," Malkevich said.

In conflict-torn Libya, Moscow backs warlord Khalifa Haftar against the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

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'Putin's chef'

Prigozhin, 59, nicknamed "Putin's chef" because his company has done catering for the Kremlin, was sanctioned by the European Union in October for undermining peace in Libya by supporting the Wagner Group private military company which is active there.

READ MORE: Pentagon: UAE funds Russian mercenary group Wagner in Libya

Malkevich's announcement on Saturday comes several weeks after two employees of the Defence for National Values were released by Libya and returned to Russia.

Maxim Shugaley and his interpreter Samir Seifan -- both Russian citizens -- were accused last year by Libyan authorities of election meddling on behalf of Moscow while they were working with the son of ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi.

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