In another demonstration of its growing role as a trusted international mediator, the United Arab Emirates has facilitated the release of 168 prisoners — 84 from each side — in the latest exchange between Russia and Ukraine. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the swap on Thursday.
With this agreement, the total number of detainees freed through Emirati mediation has reached 4,349, across 16 successful exchanges since the outbreak of the war.
Humanitarian Priority
Welcoming the news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the UAE, noting that the group included both military personnel and civilians, many of whom require urgent medical care and rehabilitation. He highlighted that some had been detained since 2014, including the renowned “defenders of Mariupol.”
“I thank the UAE for its assistance in this exchange,” Zelenskyy wrote on X, adding that the courage and effectiveness of Ukrainian units at the front line continue to make such swaps possible. “There will be more exchanges,” he assured.
Diplomatic Engagement at the Highest Level
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked both Moscow and Kyiv for their cooperation, stressing the country’s commitment to mitigating the humanitarian impact of the war and advancing peaceful solutions.
This latest deal follows President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official visit to Moscow last week, during which he met Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders discussed ongoing mediation efforts, with Sheikh Mohamed thanking Putin for facilitating the exchanges, and Putin in turn praising the UAE’s diplomatic role.
Looking ahead, President Putin is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on Friday at an airbase in Alaska for a summit expected to focus on resolving the Ukraine crisis. It will mark Putin’s first visit to Western soil since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Through sustained engagement and humanitarian diplomacy, the UAE continues to position itself as a bridge between conflicting sides — reinforcing the Gulf’s growing influence on the global stage.
