Russia and Ukraine have completed a significant exchange of prisoners of war, brokered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the swap of 150 Ukrainian soldiers for an equal number of Russian troops.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 189 Ukrainians had been freed, with some of those released having defended key locations, including Azovstal and Mariupol, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, and Snake Island.
This exchange brings the total number of detainees swapped through UAE-brokered efforts to 2,484 since the conflict began.
UAE’s Mediation Role In Global Conflicts
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the cooperation of both Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the country’s pivotal role as a trusted mediator in the exchange. The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting diplomatic dialogue and peaceful resolutions to the ongoing conflict.
The UAE emphasized its ongoing commitment to alleviating the humanitarian toll of the Russia-Ukraine war, focusing on the welfare of prisoners and refugees.
In addition to its pivotal role in the prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine, the UAE’s diplomatic efforts extend globally. In December 2022, it successfully brokered a high-profile exchange of prisoners between the U.S. and Russia, further adding to its reputation as a key player in international diplomacy.
