UAE brokers largest Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap since war began

The United Arab Emirates has successfully mediated the largest exchange of captives between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine since the outbreak of their conflict in 2022, bringing the total number of individuals exchanged through UAE efforts to 3,771.

In this latest breakthrough, 246 Ukrainian captives were exchanged for 246 Russian captives. Additionally, 31 wounded Ukrainian detainees and 15 wounded Russian detainees were also part of the exchange, bringing the total number of individuals involved to 538.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed deep appreciation to both Moscow and Kyiv for their cooperation and willingness to engage in this humanitarian gesture. 

The successful mediation underscores the trust both sides have placed in the UAE as a neutral and effective diplomatic actor.

According to the MoFA, this marks the fourteenth such mediation facilitated by the UAE, highlighting the country’s ongoing commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and humanitarian diplomacy. 

The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to supporting all initiatives aimed at ending the crisis and alleviating its humanitarian consequences, especially for displaced civilians and prisoners of war.

The exchange is seen as a vital confidence-building measure in a conflict that has caused significant human suffering and geopolitical instability. 

The UAE’s role, praised by international observers, reinforces its position as a credible intermediary on the global stage, particularly in times of war and crisis.