ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 5 (GDM) — The United Arab Emirates said Thursday it has successfully mediated a new exchange of captives between Russia and Ukraine, resulting in the release of 314 detainees, as diplomatic efforts continued in Abu Dhabi to ease the nearly four-year-long conflict.
Under the exchange, 157 captives were released by each side, bringing the total number of prisoners swapped through UAE-brokered mediation since the start of the war to 4,955, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The announcement came as Abu Dhabi hosted a second round of trilateral talks involving representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the United States. The discussions are part of broader international efforts aimed at reducing tensions and exploring pathways toward a negotiated settlement.
In a statement, the foreign ministry expressed appreciation to Moscow and Kyiv for their cooperation, saying it reflected mutual confidence in the UAE’s role as a neutral intermediary. The ministry said the latest exchange marked the 18th successful mediation carried out by the UAE since hostilities began.
Officials said the UAE’s engagement underscores its commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and its longstanding ties with both countries. The ministry reiterated that Abu Dhabi would continue supporting initiatives aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict and mitigating its humanitarian impact.
Previous UAE-facilitated exchanges have been among the largest prisoner swaps conducted during the war, as fighting continues along multiple fronts despite ongoing diplomatic contacts.
