The Saudi Arabian government has said Russia has released 10 prisoners of war following mediation by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The group is said to include American, British, Swedish, Croatian and Moroccan nationals, released as part of an exchange of POWs between Russia and Ukraine.
“The relevant Saudi authorities received and transferred them from Russia to the Kingdom and are facilitating procedures for their safe return to their respective countries,” a statement from the Saudi foreign ministry said.
Several prisoner swaps have happened since the start of the conflict, with the largest prisoner exchange to date – 144 people – taking place in July.
While prisoner swaps are considered to be a routine part of warfare, countries can be reluctant to declare any concessions they have made to strike the agreement.
The UK Foreign Office said it could not comment on the Saudi statement.
Prime Minister Liz Truss has confirmed five British nationals held by Russian-backed forces in eastern Ukraine have been released.
In a statement, she said it would end “months of uncertainty and suffering for them and their families.”
She thanked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Saudi Arabia for helping to secure the release of the detainees.
“Russia must end the ruthless exploitation of prisoners of war and civilian detainees for political ends,” she added.