UAE mediation facilitates second Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange in January

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged about 400 prisoners of war in the second major swap last month. Russia’s military said each side had received 195 soldiers, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said 207 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians had come back.

UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the successful prisoner exchange on January 31, highlighting that the development reflects the global status of the Emirates as a trusted partner on the international stage, especially by Russia and Ukraine.

The Ministry expressed its appreciation to the governments of the two countries for their cooperation and response to UAE mediation to make the exchange deal a success, according to the WAM (the official news agency of the Gulf state).

UAE calling for diplomacy, dialogue, de-escalation

In its statement, the Ministry also affirmed the UAE’s commitment to continuing efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the raging conflict in Ukraine – sadly approaching its second anniversary on February 24.

The Emirates highlighted its consistent position in calling for diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalation, and its endeavours to support all initiatives aimed at mitigating the concerning humanitarian repercussions resulting from the crisis.

The latest prisoner exchange didn’t represent the first mediation from the UAE. The GCC nation also helped facilitate another swap in early January, resulting in the release of captives from Russia and Ukraine. 248 individuals returned to Russia and 230, to Ukraine.

The early January swap represented one of the most complex deals of the 23-month conflict. In addition, the UAE’s another successful mediation in December 2022 cannot be overlooked, that led to the release and exchange of two prisoners between the US and Russia.

First prisoner exchange since mysterious plane crash

The Russian Defence Ministry noted: “The released military personnel will be transported by military transport aircraft to Moscow for treatment and rehabilitation,” adding all those released are offered medical and psychological assistance, as per The National.

Russia also appreciated the role the UAE played in mediating the negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Zelensky took to X, previously known as Twitter, stressing: “Our people are back. 207 of them. We return them home no matter what.”

Furthermore, the move also marks the first such prisoner exchange since a Russian military plane – carrying 65 captured Ukrainian army servicemen to the Belgorod region for exchange, according to Moscow – crashed near the Ukrainian border last week.

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