UAE Brokers Another Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Swap, Frees 410 Captives
The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday that it has mediated a new prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, with 205 captives released by each side. The swap is the latest in a series of deals brokered by the UAE since the early stages of the war.
According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this marks the 15th successful exchange facilitated by Abu Dhabi, bringing the total number of prisoners exchanged under its mediation to 4,181. The ministry said the operation reflected “the trust of both parties in the UAE’s effective diplomatic role” and its commitment to easing tensions through dialogue.
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The UAE reaffirmed its support for peace efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, calling for increased attention to the humanitarian toll—especially on displaced civilians and those held in captivity. The Gulf country has positioned itself as a neutral player capable of engaging with both Moscow and Kyiv, maintaining diplomatic ties with both capitals since the February 2022 Russian invasion.
While most global efforts have focused on ceasefire proposals or weapons deliveries, the UAE has concentrated on behind-the-scenes mediation and humanitarian diplomacy. The frequent prisoner swaps have emerged as rare moments of cooperation in an otherwise grinding and violent conflict.
Russia and Ukraine have yet to publicly comment on the latest exchange.
