Russia, Ukraine announce major surprise prisoner swap

FILE PHOTO: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends the Red Sea WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight world title boxing fight, between Oleksandr Usyk Vs Anthony Joshua, in King Abdullah Sports City Arena, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, August 20, 2022. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS

KYIV/RIYADH (Reuters) -Russia and Ukraine carried out an unexpected prisoner swap on Wednesday, the largest since the war began and involving almost 300 people, including 10 foreigners and the commanders who led a prolonged Ukrainian defence of Mariupol earlier this year.

The foreigners released included two Britons and a Moroccan who had been sentenced to death in June after being captured fighting for Ukraine. Also freed were three other Britons, two Americans, a Croatian, and a Swedish national.