UAE Mediates Major POW Exchange Between Russia and Ukraine Involving 146 Soldiers on Each Side

Humanitarian Diplomacy at Work

In a significant development underscoring the power of humanitarian diplomacy, the United Arab Emirates has successfully mediated a prisoner of war (POW) exchange between Russia and Ukraine, facilitating the release of 146 soldiers from each side. The operation was carried out on August 24, 2025, and also included the release of eight Russian civilians who had been detained by Ukrainian authorities.

This exchange adds to the UAE’s growing reputation as a neutral facilitator in international conflicts, particularly in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which has entered its fourth year.

Russian Soldiers Receive Care in Belarus

The 146 Russian soldiers released from Ukrainian-controlled territories were first transferred to Belarus, where they are currently undergoing medical assessments and psychological care. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that all returning servicemen are being provided with the necessary support before being handed over to Russian military medical facilities for full treatment and rehabilitation.

In addition to these military personnel, eight Russian citizens, all reportedly residents of the Kursk region, were also released. They had been described as “illegally detained” by Ukraine and will be reunited with their families in the coming days.

Ukraine Welcomes Its Soldiers Home

Simultaneously, 146 Ukrainian soldiers who had been in Russian captivity were also returned to Ukraine. Many of these individuals had been detained since the early phases of the conflict, including participants in key battles and territories that changed control multiple times during the war.

Ukrainian leadership welcomed their return, with officials emphasizing the importance of every soldier’s life and reaffirming their commitment to securing the release of all remaining POWs still held by Russia.

The UAE’s Expanding Role as Mediator

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a crucial mediator in prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. This latest operation highlights its ability to maintain communication with both sides and broker complex humanitarian agreements in the midst of a tense and violent geopolitical conflict.

Despite maintaining economic and diplomatic ties with both Russia and the West, the UAE has managed to present itself as a reliable neutral party, capable of facilitating sensitive operations like POW exchanges.

The UAE has previously played a similar role in several high-profile exchanges since 2023, often working discreetly to ensure the safety and dignity of those involved, while avoiding public political entanglements.

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A Rare Moment of Cooperation

While the conflict continues with no clear end in sight, exchanges like this provide rare and significant moments of cooperation and compassion, offering relief to hundreds of families on both sides. The return of soldiers and civilians alike serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the critical need for ongoing diplomatic efforts, however small, to alleviate suffering.

As the war drags on, such humanitarian efforts remain essential in building pathways toward future dialogue and, potentially, peace.