Russia and Ukraine exchanged 300 prisoners in a UAE-mediated swap confirmed by the Emirati government on Wednesday.
The mediation resulted in the release of 150 Russians and 150 Ukrainians, state news agency Wam reported. It brings the total number of prisoners exchanged between the two countries to 2,883.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its appreciation to both countries for their co-operation in what was the 12th successful mediation since the beginning of 2024. The ministry added that it will continue to work to support all diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine, and to mitigate the humanitarian effects of the crisis.
“Some of the guys had been in captivity for more than two years,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on social media.
Russia's Defence Ministry said it swapped 150 captured Ukrainian troops for the return of 150 Russians held by Kyiv. Russian troops were undergoing medical checks in allied Belarus before returning to Russia, the ministry said.
The news follows a month of successful mediations, which highlight the Gulf’s growing influence in global diplomacy.
THE SPECS
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
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A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
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Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
