The families of the Ukrainian sailors held prisoner by Russia have appealed to the Queen to intervene with Vladimir Putin to help free their loved ones in time for Christmas.

Russian forces rammed, fired on, and captured three Ukrainian vessels in international waters on November 25, to international condemnation.

The 24 sailors captured by Russia in the naval clash are currently being held in prison in Moscow - where they are expected to face trial next month.

In a letter to Her Majesty, the distraught relatives asked the Queen to use her “reputation and influence” to shame the Russian president into freeing the men.

“Madam, we ask your help and support in seeking the release of our sons, husbands and fathers from Russian captivity,” the letter reads.

“We simply all sincerely hope that your reputation and humanitarian influence will he heard and our loved ones will return safe and sound.

“We ask you dear madam to use your indisputable authority for the quick return home of our relatives illegal captured by the Russian Federation.”

The letter, which was written in English, was presented to Judith Gough, the British Ambassador to Ukraine, at the sailors’ home port of Odessa on Friday.