Release of UK 15 soldiers

He had used all the propaganda that he could with the incident. He also wanted to show the world that he´s not the monster that certain western country´s are making him out to be. Did you notice how these soldier´s story´s changed from day to day. Before and after they we´re interrogated by the U.K´s secret service. That raise´s a lot of question´s doesent it?

Because it would have caused a major diplomatic incident if he had held onto them. I doubt he really believes he can win a war against the UK, let alone against the UK and its allies, but there was political capital to be made both in his own country and abroad from holding on to them for a while.

Incidentally, they weren't soldiers, they were sailors.