UAE helps mediate sixth prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms release of 190 soldiers

Ukrainian prisoners of war after returning to their homeland. Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged prisoners of war in the sixth major swap this year.

The successful exchange on Wednesday featured the release of 190 soldiers, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.

So far this year, the UAE has successfully mediated six prisoner swaps – the first two in January, then one each in February, May, June and the latest exchange.

It brings the total number of prisoners exchanged between the two countries through mediation to 1,558, state news agency Wam reported.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed 95 members of the Ukrainian armed forces, National and Border Guards had returned home.

In a post on X, Mr Zelenskyy thanked the UAE for mediating the release.

"We continue to bring our people home," he wrote, along with a video of the release. "No matter how difficult it is, we search for everyone who might be in captivity and we must bring them all back."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it "reflects the UAE’s commitment to being a reliable mediator supporting diplomacy to resolve the crisis between the two countries".

The ministry also reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict, stressing the need for dialogue, de-escalation and diplomacy, and called on Russia and Ukraine to minimise the effects of war on humanitarian conditions.

In December 2022, the UAE also mediated the swap of two prisoners between the US and Russia.