Ukraine swaps Putin ally for scores of Mariupol defenders held by Russia

Russian officials did not immediately comment on what appeared to be the biggest prisoner swap of the nearly seven-month war

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Security service Press Office, Ukrainian soldiers released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, hold the Ukrainian flag close to Chernihiv, Ukraine, late Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday that culminated months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. (Ukrainian Security service Press Office via AP)

Ukraine has announced a high-profile prisoner swap after months of efforts to free many of the fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege.

President Volodymr Zelenskyy said his government had won freedom from Russian custody for 215 Ukrainian and foreign citizens, with the help of Turkish and Saudi mediation efforts.