Following the UAE’s announcement of a successful mediation resulting in the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, the international community has lauded the pivotal role played by the Emirates in de-escalating tensions between the two nations.
The UN, through a statement issued on Thursday, commended the exchange of 230 Ukrainian prisoners of war and 248 Russian prisoners of war, emphasizing the significance of this development.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the efforts of the UAE, expressing hope that this positive step would pave the way for further prisoner exchanges and efforts to reduce escalation in the conflict.
In the Arab world, the Speaker of the Arab Parliament, Adel bin Abdul Rahman Al-Asoumi, commended the success of the UAE’s mediation efforts. He acknowledged the UAE’s commitment to peace and its diplomatic role in achieving regional stability.
Bahrain also welcomed the success of the UAE’s mediation, expressing appreciation for the diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts peacefully. The Kingdom affirmed its support for international efforts to achieve a ceasefire and a comprehensive political solution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, in line with the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.
The UAE’s mediation, announced on Wednesday, marked a significant breakthrough in the release of prisoners of war from both sides. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to the governments of Russia and Ukraine for their cooperation, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed Ukraine’s release of 248 soldiers, while Kiev announced the repatriation of 230 individuals, marking the largest documented exchange since the start of the conflict in February 2022. Both sides acknowledged the role of the UAE in facilitating the successful exchange.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine described it as a “great day for Ukraine” and pledged to pursue additional exchanges, expanding the “exchange fund” for captured Russian soldiers. The returned prisoners included members of various branches of Ukraine’s armed forces, demonstrating the diverse backgrounds of those involved in the conflict.
As the exchanged prisoners undergo medical examinations and treatment, the successful mediation by the UAE has set a positive tone for potential future diplomatic initiatives to address the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
