Ukraine announces largest exchange of prisoners of war since Russia invaded

144 Ukrainian soldiers have been released, including 95 who defended the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol

Ukraine has announced the largest exchange of prisoners of war since Russia invaded, securing the release of 144 of its soldiers, including 95 who defended the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

This is the largest exchange since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion," said Ukrainian military intelligence in a Telegram message on Wednesday. Of the 144 freed, 95 are Azovstal defenders."