In a significant development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the mediation of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. The exchange is set to take place on Saturday, involving the release of 115 prisoners on each side. This marks the seventh such exchange facilitated by the UAE since the start of the war in February 2022.
The prisoner swap comes amidst a heightened state of tension, with Ukraine launching a surprise attack into Russia’s Kursk region on August 6th. This marked the biggest attack inside Russian territory by a foreign power since World War Two. Ukraine aims to establish a buffer zone in the region, which Russia has been using to launch attacks on Ukrainian targets.
The Emirati official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the information, did not provide specific details about the identities of the prisoners involved. However, the exchange is expected to be a major step towards de-escalation and could potentially pave the way for future diplomatic dialogue.
The UAE has played a crucial role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine since the conflict began. Abu Dhabi, a close security partner of the United States, has maintained a cautious approach to the war, avoiding direct confrontation with either side. While maintaining warm relations with Moscow, the UAE has also strengthened ties with Kyiv, positioning itself as a neutral party capable of fostering dialogue and promoting cooperation.
UAE officials have consistently emphasized their ability to communicate with a wide range of international actors, enabling them to act as effective mediators between conflicting parties. They believe their role is crucial in promoting security and stability in the region and beyond.
Since the war’s onset, the UAE has successfully mediated the release of a total of 1,788 prisoners, with the upcoming exchange on Saturday adding to this significant accomplishment.
