Russia, Ukraine Exchange Almost 300 Prisoners in Major Surprise Swap

Ten prisoners of war (five British citizens, one Moroccan, one Swedish, one Croatian, and two Americans) are seen arriving, following successful mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, from Russia to King Khalid International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sept. 21, 2022. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via Reuters

Russia and Ukraine conducted a major and unexpected prisoner swap on Sept. 21 involving almost 300 people, including 10 foreigners as well as Ukrainian commanders who defended Mariupol in early 2022, marking the largest exchange between the two sides since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

The Sept. 21 deal was reached with the assistance of Saudi Arabia and Turkey.