Russia and Ukraine have reached another agreement for a prisoner swap, as announced by the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry disclosed that its mediation efforts between the two nations have resulted in a successful deal to exchange prisoners.
The recent exchange involved 230 prisoners, evenly distributed between Russia and Ukraine. This marks the seventh successful mediation by the UAE, leading to a total of 1,788 prisoners exchanged between the two countries since the initial agreement earlier this year.
The UAE emphasized its commitment as a trusted mediator for both parties, aiming to support diplomatic resolutions to the ongoing crisis. The ministry highlighted the friendly relations it shares with Russia and Ukraine, along with its continuous efforts to promote peaceful solutions to the conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the UAE and the Ukrainian team for their efforts in bringing back the prisoners. He acknowledged the return of 115 defenders from various Ukrainian forces, reaffirming the ongoing search and rescue missions for all missing individuals.
Prisoner Negotiations
In addition to the recent exchange, the UAE’s collaboration with Russia played a crucial role in securing a previous prisoner swap between the United States and Russia in December 2022.
The exchange involved the release of American basketball player Brittney Griner in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner had been detained in Moscow for possession of illegal substances, while Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death,” was serving a sentence in the US for serious charges.
Despite criticism surrounding the release of certain individuals, the exchange took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, symbolizing a significant diplomatic achievement.
Furthermore, the Biden administration successfully secured the release of former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan in August this year through a multinational effort mediated by Turkey. The exchange involved various political prisoners from different nations, marking a significant milestone in international diplomacy.
The Aug. 1 prisoner swap, which included 26 individuals, stands as the largest exchange since the Cold War, underscoring the importance of dialogue and cooperation in resolving complex international crises.
Andrew Thornebrooke and Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
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