UAE Mediates Another Major Captive Exchange: 540 Individuals Freed Between Russia and Ukraine

In a significant development facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Ukraine have successfully completed another large-scale exchange of captives. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday that 540 individuals were released, with each side agreeing to free 270 captives. This latest exchange brings the total number of captives swapped through the UAE's mediation efforts to 8,537.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to both Russia and Ukraine for their cooperation with the UAE, acknowledging its role as a trusted international mediator and its commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shared images of the returning detainees, stating, "National Guard members, including Azov warriors, border guards, warriors of the Territorial Defense Forces, the Navy, the Land Forces, the Airborne Assault Forces, and the State Special Transport Service, as well as nine civilians, are returning home. Most of them had been in captivity since 2022." He further emphasized, "We remember one and all and continue searching for everyone. I thank everyone who works to make these exchanges possible."

This marks the 27th detainee exchange between the two nations orchestrated through UAE-led talks. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its dedication to supporting initiatives aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict and addressing its humanitarian consequences for refugees and prisoners. The previous exchange occurred in August, resulting in the release of 206 individuals.