Russia released 144 Ukrainian soldiers in a broad exchange deal, Ukraine said, marking the largest prisoner exchange between the two nations since the start of their military conflict on February 24.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Defense Ministry said Wednesday in a statement on Telegram that the group included 59 soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine, including 43 from the Azov regiment that fought for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant.

Most of the released Ukrainians have severe injuries, it said.

(With input from Xinhua)