UAE mediates Russia-US prisoner exchange in major diplomatic move

The UAE Foreign Ministry has just announced the success of mediation efforts in a Russia-US prisoner exchange. The process noted the exchange of one Russian citizen and one citizen of the US. This development is making global headlines.

Representatives of relevant authorities from both Russia and the US attended the exchange. The Ministry expressed its appreciation to both countries for the confidence placed in the UAE in relation to the prisoner exchange process.

UAE mediates major Russia-US prisoner exchange

The UAE Foreign Ministry has highlighted that choosing the UAE capital as the location for the prisoner exchange reflects the close friendship ties the Gulf state shares. These efforts are going to de-escalate tensions at considerable levels.

Russian troops marched into Ukraine in 2022, unleashing a brutal conflict that has been continuing for more than 3 years. But the UAE has been putting a lot of effort into enhancing dialogue and understanding to bring in peace and stability to the region.

Last month, the UAE Foreign Ministry announced the success of mediation efforts in the 13th Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange. The deal included the transfer of 175 Russian prisoners and the same number of people from Ukraine.

Ksenia Karelina and Arthur Petrov return home

So far, the UAE has facilitated the exchange of at least 3,233 Russian and Ukrainian prisoners. These exchanges reflect the confidence both Russia and Ukraine have in the UAE. The Gulf state is also seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict.

In the latest Russia-US prisoner exchange, ballerina Ksenia Karelina is returning home to the US. She had been in prison in Russia for more than a year after being arrested in early 2024 in the city of Yekaterinburg.

She had been found guilty of treason for donating money to a US-based charity offering humanitarian support to Ukraine. In exchange, the US has reportedly freed Arthur Petrov, accused of illegally exporting microelectronics to Russia, as per BBC.