Kiev: In the midst of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, a significant diplomatic breakthrough has been achieved. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) successfully mediated a prisoner exchange between the two nations, leading to the release of 103 prisoners of war (POWs) from both sides on Saturday.
The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that the Russian soldiers freed in the exchange were captured by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region during an incursion that began on 6 August. These soldiers, now back in Belarus, are receiving essential medical and psychological care. After months of captivity, the soldiers were finally able to reconnect with their families.
Ukraine, however, has yet to publicly confirm details of the prisoner exchange, which saw an equal number of Ukrainian soldiers returned to their home country. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, 103 Ukrainian soldiers were handed over to Kyiv in a reciprocal move.
This is not the first instance of prisoner exchanges brokered by the UAE. Just three weeks ago, a similar agreement resulted in the release of 115 POWs from both sides. The recent exchange highlights the ongoing efforts by the UAE, alongside Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, to mediate between Russia and Ukraine in the hopes of easing tensions in the prolonged conflict.
Despite the successful exchanges, the broader situation between the two nations remains volatile. The war, now in its third year, has seen periodic POW swaps, but long-term peace remains elusive. Nevertheless, these mediation efforts offer a glimmer of hope amid the hostilities, demonstrating that diplomacy can still play a vital role in reducing the human cost of the conflict.
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