UAE mediates largest exchange of 538 captives between Russia and Ukraine

The United Arab Emirates has announced the success of mediation efforts in a new exchange of captives between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine, the largest exchange since the outbreak of the conflict between the two countries.

The mediation included 246 Ukrainian captives and 246 Russian captives in addition to the exchange of 31 wounded Ukrainians and 15 wounded Russians - 538 captives in total - bringing the total number exchanged through UAE mediation efforts to 3,771.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its appreciation to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine for their cooperation with UAE mediation endeavours. This reflects the confidence and appreciation of both countries for the UAE’s role in supporting all efforts to resolve the crisis between the two nations.

A Ukrainian prisoner takes a selfie with his mother and other family members as he returns after a swap at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Saturday. Reuters

The Ministry emphasised that the success of this mediation, the fourteenth, reflects the distinguished ties between the UAE and the two countries.

Furthermore, the Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to ensuring the success of all efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine, and mitigating the humanitarian impacts as a result of the crisis, including on refugees and captives.

WAM