In a remarkable display of diplomatic prowess, the United Arab Emirates has successfully brokered a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. This latest operation, brokered by the UAE, involved 206 prisoners of war, divided equally between the two countries.
This new exchange brings the cumulative number of prisoners exchanged between both countries under UAE mediation to 1,994 prisoners. The UAE Foreign Ministry expressed its thanks to both Russia and Ukraine for cooperation and responsiveness amid the continuance of conflict. This exchange is further proof of the growing influence of the UAE and its valued role in supporting the diplomatic way out of crisis.
It further underlined its commitment to peace by reaffirming its steadfast support for the pursuit of a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine. The UAE calls for dialogue, de-escalation, and the promotion of efforts toward the mitigation of the humanitarian consequences of the crisis, including those relevant to refugees and prisoners.
So far this year, UAE-facilitated initiatives have resulted in seven prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. In December 2022, the UAE further asserted its burgeonning diplomatic influence in the international arena when it played a key role in the exchange of two prisoners between the United States and Russia.
