The Russian army announced on Wednesday the exchange of prisoners with Kyiv as part of an agreement brokered by the United Arab Emirates.

• Emirati Mediation: A New Prisoner Exchange Between Russia and Ukraine

• With New UAE Mediation, Russia and Ukraine Prepare to Exchange 90 Prisoners

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on Telegram: “As a result of the negotiation process, 25 Russian soldiers were repatriated from territories under Kyiv’s control. In exchange, 25 Ukrainian soldiers were handed over to Ukraine.”

This marks the UAE’s first mediation in 2025, following 10 similar efforts in 2024 and another in 2023. Altogether, these mediations have facilitated the exchange of 2,534 prisoners between the two countries.

• Emirati Diplomacy Succeeds in Securing Exchange of 180 Prisoners Between Russia and Ukraine

• Emirati Mediation Between Russia and Ukraine Succeeds in Exchanging 180 Prisoners

Since the outbreak of the crisis in February 2022 and throughout 2024, the UAE has participated in every international effort aimed at finding a resolution to this crisis. The most recent initiative took place during the ministerial conference on the “humanitarian dimension of the 10-point peace plan for Ukraine,” held in Montreal, Canada, on October 30-31.

• Through Emirati mediation… Prisoner exchange deal between Russia and Ukraine includes 195 soldiers

• The world welcomes the UAE’s mediation… Success in prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine 

These diplomatic and humanitarian efforts have been met with international recognition and praise, particularly from both sides of the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have repeatedly expressed their gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his mediation and efforts to resolve the crisis.

• The world welcomes the UAE’s mediation… Successful prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine 

• UAE Mediator role in the exchange of 200 prisoners between Russia and Ukraine

These initiatives come amid ongoing intense military escalation between the two sides, highlighting the significance and influence of the UAE’s role, as well as the trust and appreciation it commands from both parties.

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