OSCE are reunited with friends and family (twitpic|@BBCWorld)

Pro-Russian separatists abducted eight members of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and five Ukrainians from the defense ministry on April 25. One hostage was released shortly after the incident for medical reasons. 

The remaining 12 observers were being held in the city of Slavyansk under suspicions of being NATO spies.  

However, both the self-proclaimed mayor of Slavyansk and the OSCE confirmed that everyone has been let go. Russian envoy Vladmir Lukin is also credited with helping to negotiate the prisoners' release. 

The hostage situation, among other issues, has prompted Kiev to resume military action in hopes of reclaiming the region that has now been overrun by insurgents. 

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