Fifth deal this year: UAE mediation facilitates another Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange in big move

UAE Facilitates Fifth Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Exchange

The Emirati Foreign Ministry has announced the success of mediation efforts by the UAE in facilitating another prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. This marks the fifth such agreement in 2024, leading to the release of 180 captives, according to a recent statement.

The Ministry emphasized that this achievement is a result of the UAE leveraging its unique partnerships. The Ministry expressed gratitude to the governments of Russia and Ukraine for their cooperation in making the exchange possible.

The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the prolonged and brutal conflict. It underscored the importance of dialogue, de-escalation, and diplomacy in resolving the fighting and mitigating the humanitarian consequences of the crisis.

Mediation Efforts and Previous Exchanges

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began on February 24, 2022, saw Russian troops entering Ukrainian territory. Since early 2024, the UAE has successfully mediated four previous prisoner exchanges between the two nations.

In the fourth deal, announced on May 31, Russia and Ukraine released 150 prisoners. The Russian Defence Ministry noted that 75 Russian servicemen were exchanged for 75 Ukrainian troops, highlighting the effectiveness of the UAE's mediation efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared the significant outcome on X, stating, "75 more of our people have returned to Ukraine… Throughout all of this time, we have not stopped working for a single day to bring everyone home from Russian captivity."

Reflection of Strong Friendly Relations

In January 2024, one of the largest exchanges since the conflict's onset took place, with 400 prisoners exchanged under UAE mediation. 248 prisoners returned to Russia, and 230 Ukrainian prisoners were repatriated.

The UAE Foreign Ministry described this substantial exchange as a "reflection of the strong friendly relations" between the UAE and both Russia and Ukraine. The Gulf state expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of both governments.

President Zelenskyy, in a message on Telegram, celebrated the return of over 200 soldiers and civilians from Russian captivity. He shared a video of uniformed men celebrating and called the exchange deal "good news."