Russia and Ukraine conducted a major exchange of 206 prisoners on Saturday, 103 per country, after negotiations mediated by the UAE. The latest deal has brought the total number of captives exchanged through Emirati diplomatic efforts to 1,994.
“Our people are home,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the Telegram messaging app of the 82 soldiers and privates and 21 officers released. He credited the release of the prisoners to his forces’ recent incursion into Russia.
The Russian Defence Ministry also highlighted that the 103 of their soldiers exchanged on Saturday had been taken prisoner in the border Kursk region. The latest prisoner exchange is the third since Ukraine started a cross-border incursion into Kursk last month.
Kyiv securing return of 3,672 Ukrainians in 57 exchanges
Russia and Ukraine have frequently exchanged prisoners since Russian troops marched into their neighbouring territory as part of a special military operation in February 2022. Since the beginning of the year, the UAE has been mediating multiple exchanges.
Ukrainian officials had previously noted that Kyiv’s forces had captured at least 600 Russian soldiers during the incursion into Kursk. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, said that Kyiv had so far secured the return of 3,672 Ukrainians in 57 exchanges.
In the latest exchange, the UAE Foreign Ministry expressed its appreciation to both countries for their cooperation and responsiveness to mediation efforts – as it contributed to the success of the prisoner exchange despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.
UAE becoming a trusted mediator on international stage
It is important to highlight here that the success of the mediation efforts reflect the trust of Russia and Ukraine in the UAE, in addition to their appreciation of the Gulf country’s role in supporting a diplomatic path to resolve the current crisis.
The Emirati ministry emphasised that the success of the latest meditation efforts, the eighth since the beginning of 2024, demonstrates the cooperative and friendly relations the UAE and both countries share, according to a statement.
The UAE is committed to continuing all efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine, through dialogue and de-escalation. The country also aims to support all initiatives to mitigate the conflict’s humanitarian repercussions.
Generosity and compassion are at the heart of UAE culture
In a gesture of solidarity and humanitarian support, the UAE dispatched a plane carrying 50 tonnes of food supplies to Ukraine in March. Happening during the holy month of Ramadan, this initiative underscored the UAE’s focus on helping everyone in need.
The Gulf state has consistently demonstrated its commitment to assisting people in need, especially during times of crisis. Besides the food supplies, the country has also provided a $100 million donation to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Generosity and compassion are at the heart of the UAE culture. The country is prominent across the globe for its meticulous humanitarian initiatives in different countries, including in Gaza, Sudan, Brazil, Pakistan, Turkey and Syria.
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