The UAE has successfully mediated a new prisoner exchange operation between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, involving 206 prisoners, evenly distributed between both sides. This brings the total number of prisoners exchanged through UAE mediation to 1994.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to both countries for their cooperation and responsiveness to the UAE's mediation efforts, which ensured the success of the prisoner exchange despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war. This reflects the confidence both Russia and Ukraine have in the UAE and their appreciation for its role in supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
The ministry views the success of this eighth mediation since the start of 2024 as a testament to the cooperative and friendly relations between the UAE and the two countries. The UAE remains committed to continuing its efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, advocating for diplomacy, dialogue, and de-escalation. The country aims to support initiatives that mitigate the humanitarian impact of the crisis, including addressing issues related to refugees and prisoners.
It is noteworthy that the UAE has successfully mediated seven prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine since the beginning of this year, and in December 2022, it facilitated a prisoner exchange between the United States and the Russian Federation.