KEMEROVO/NOVOKUZNETSK, February 11 - RAPSI. Russian national Viktor Gorelov, who was abducted in Syria last December and exchanged for Syrian rebels, returned to his home city of Novokuznetsk in Siberia, a spokesperson of the local administration told RIA Novosti.

The source said that Gorelov had been awarded a regional medal For Honor and Courage.

Gorelov spoke to RIA about his kidnapping: "They stopped our car, grabbed us by the scruff of the neck and pulled sacks over our heads. Their cars were parked nearby. They asked if I had a million [dollars]. I told them that Im a pensioner and so dont have so much money. Then we will use you as barter, they said."

He said that on the last day a representative of the other side took them to Homs, where they were exchanged for captured rebels.

Viktor Gorelov went to Syria under a labor contract on October 6, 2012. He worked for some 70 days and then spent 54 days in captivity. Russian nationals Viktor Gorelov and Abdessattar Hassun, who also holds a Syrian passport, were kidnapped on December 17 while traveling between the cities of Homs and Tartus.

On February 4 the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that they had been exchanged for Syrian rebels.

Italian engineer Mario Belluomo, who was kidnapped together with the Russians, has also been released in exchange for Syrian rebels.

The number of victims in the Syrian conflict which broke out in March 2011 has been estimated at between 20,000 and 30,000. The Syrian authorities say that they are fighting well-armed rebels who receive assistance from foreign patrons.