Turchynov's press service confirms release of Ukrainian Navy Commander Haiduk and activists

Ukrainian Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Serhiy Haiduk and all civilian hostages were released early on Thursday, the press service of Acting Ukrainian President and Verkhovna Rada Chairman Oleksandr Turchynov has reported.

"In accordance with the demands of the Ukrainian side announced in a statement by Acting President and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov, Ukrainian Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Serhiy Haiduk and all civilian hostages (including the son of Ukrainian MP Anatoliy Hrytsenko) captured by Russian military and representatives of the self-declared Crimean authorities were released tonight," reads the statement.