Russia and Ukraine have carried out an unexpected Prisoner swap, almost 300 People, 10 Foreigners

1. Russia and Ukraine have carried out an unexpected prisoner swap, the largest since the war began and involving almost 300 people.

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.

The timing and magnitude of the swap came as a surprise, given Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced a partial troop mobilisation earlier in the day in an apparent escalation of the conflict that began in February. Pro-Russian separatists had also said last month that the Mariupol commanders would go on trial.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the swap - which involved help from Turkey and Saudi Arabia - had been under preparation for quite a long time and involved intense haggling. Under the terms of the deal, 215 Ukrainians - most of whom were captured after the fall of Mariupol - were released.

In exchange, Ukraine sent back 55 Russians and pro-Moscow Ukrainians and Viktor Medvedchuk, the leader of a banned pro-Russian party who was facing treason charges.
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2. Russia Releases 10 Foreigners Captured in Ukraine After Saudi Mediation, Riyadh Says

Russia on Wednesday released 10 foreign prisoners of war captured in Ukraine following mediation by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi foreign ministry said.

The freed prisoners were American, British, Croatian, Moroccan and Swedish nationals, the ministry said in a statement, adding that a plane carrying the prisoners landed in the kingdom.

"The relevant Saudi authorities received and transferred them from Russia to the kingdom and are facilitating procedures for their respective countries," the statement said.
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3. VIDEO WION: Russia and Ukraine have carried out a surprise prisoner swap involving nearly 300 people. Those released include prisoners of war from countries including the US, UK, Morocco, Sweden and Croatia some of whom had been sentenced to death after being captured in Ukraine and accused of being mercenaries.