Russia has released 10 foreign prisoners of war captured while fighting in Ukraine, according to a Saudi official.
The list of newly released prisoners includes five British nationals, two Americans, one Swede, one Croat and one Moroccan, the official stated, adding they were released following negotiations headed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
A plane carrying the unidentified prisoners left Russia earlier today and landed in the Saudi capital Riyadh this afternoon.
They will soon be returned to their home countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing sources familiar with the mediation.
The prisoners were captured on the frontlines in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region.
‘The release comes based on the priority given by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, and in continuation of his commitment to the humanitarian initiatives towards the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
‘This also results from his continued engagement with the relevant countries,’ a statement from the Saudi ministry of foreign affairs read.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (pictured) was involved in negotiations to release 10 foreign nationals captured in Ukraine from Russian prison, a Saudi official claimed
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Governor of the Novgorod region
Mohammed bin Salman offered to host talks between Ukraine and Russia in March, during the early stage of the war.
MbS reportedly made the initial offer during a telephone call with Putin,
In the conversation back in March, MbS also reaffirmed Saudi intention to maintain the balance and stability of the oil market and abide by the OPEC+agreement — an intergovernmental body that regulates global oil prices.
OPEC+ announced it would boost production by 100,000 barrels a day in August, barely making a dent in meeting global demand — after officials claimed the Biden administration was asking Saudi Arabia to increase oil production and reduce global energy prices.
The move came weeks after Biden visited Saudi Arabia, giving a boost to the ruling family and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia and most of the Arab countries are the world’s biggest oil exporters. along with Russia, which together make up OPEC+.
Arab countries nevertheless supported the UN General Assembly resolution demanding Russia withdraw troops from Ukraine.
Both Russia and Saudi Arabia have an interest in keeping world oil production stable despite soaring prices due to the invasion of Ukraine — forcing the two countries to collaborate and putting the crown price in a position to negotiate with Putin on other matters.
OPEC+ announced it would boost production by 100,000 barrels a day, which would barely make a dent in meeting global demand. The move came weeks after Biden visited Saudi Arabia, giving a boost to the ruling family and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.