JAKARTA - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) successfully mediated the release of 410 Russian - Ukrainian war prisoners, 205 prisoners in each country on Tuesday, following similar mediation last month.
The release of 205 Ukrainian prisoners and 205 Russian prisoners has been achieved in the 15th round of negotiations brokered by the UAE since Moscow launched its invasion more than three years ago.
So far, both sides have exchanged 4,181 detainees since the war broke out on February 24, 2022, reported by The National May 7.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its gratitude to the two countries for the cooperation during the negotiations, saying the UAE remains committed to supporting all efforts to achieve a peaceful solution to the war.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Dubai for Dubai's efforts.
"Today, Ukraine has brought home 205 soldiers. Young and old men of almost all types and branches of the Armed Forces. Defenders of Mariupol and the entire front line," wrote President Zelensky.
"I thank all those involved in this exchange. I thank our partners, especially the United Arab Emirates, for their mediation and support," he continued.
"I thank all those who do not remain silent and continue to voice opinions about Ukrainians who touch them. Every day, we fight for our people. We will do whatever it takes to bring them all home," President Zelensky said.
Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense also confirmed the exchange of prisoners with Ukraine brokered by the UAE.
"On May 6, 2025, as a result of negotiations, 205 Russian soldiers were repatriated from the territory controlled by the Kyiv regime. In response, 205 Ukrainian war prisoners were handed over," the ministry said in a statement, quoted from TASS.
Meanwhile, the ombudsman of Russian human rights Tatiana Moskalkova thanked the Russian Ministry of Defense and other institutions involved.
"For many families, today has become a celebration of reunification - anxiety and uncertainty have paved the way for the joy of loved ones returning home," he said.
Ukraine's prisoner-of-war organization said the prisoners who returned consisted of 202 enlisted and three officers from various parts of the military and national guard.
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It said today's exchange was the fifth of the year and the 64th of the entire war, which has lasted for more than 38 months.
Last month, the UAE broke out in the release of 538 prisoners of war by Ukraine and Russia in the largest single exchange since the conflict erupted
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the UAE's role in the exchange mediation during a phone call with President Sheikh Mohamed. The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen relations between countries.
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