A new mediation effort for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine marks continued efforts by the UAE to resolve the crisis and mitigate its humanitarian impact. This is the second mediation in about a month, the ninth this year, and the tenth since the war began in February 2022.
Through this mediation, a new prisoner exchange was completed, involving 190 prisoners equally shared between the two sides. This brings the total number of exchanged prisoners in nine mediations this year to 2,184, highlighting an unprecedented diplomatic and humanitarian achievement amid the ongoing conflict.
UAE-Russia Summit This successful mediation comes just three days before the anticipated visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to Russia on Monday, where he will attend the BRICS Summit and hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions are expected to include UAE mediation efforts in this crisis. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has emphasized the UAE’s commitment to supporting peace and stability both regionally and internationally, advocating for political solutions to conflicts, including the Ukrainian crisis through de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.
He also reiterated the UAE’s readiness to play any role in resolving the Ukrainian crisis and mitigating its humanitarian consequences, stressing that “the UAE will always be present” to calm the situation and support stability. The Russian President has also expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for the UAE’s successful mediation in facilitating the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. Similarly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly thanked the UAE and its leadership for their successful mediation efforts.
International Recognition This successful mediation comes as the UAE’s role in the Russia-Ukraine crisis receives international praise. Two days ago, during the Gulf-European Summit held in Brussels, the UAE’s role in the crisis was lauded. Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, praised the UAE’s efforts in resolving the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, including efforts to reach a ceasefire and facilitate political solutions through negotiations, as well as the exchange of prisoners between the two sides. He also commended the efforts of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar in this regard.
Supporting Peace The UAE supports finding a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis, a vision reiterated by Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, during his address at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in late September. He emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to end the conflict in Ukraine, which has had global repercussions, including increased polarization, refugee crises, and threats to global food security.
He added, “Through continuous communication with all parties, my country has facilitated the release of around 2,000 prisoners of war through mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine.” He further emphasized, “We continue to push for dialogue, de-escalation, and support for recovery and reconstruction.”
Key Messages and Implications The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated this stance in a statement released on Friday regarding the new mediation details. The UAE announced the success of its mediation efforts, which resulted in the exchange of 190 prisoners equally between both sides, bringing the total number of exchanged prisoners to 2,184.
The ministry expressed gratitude to both countries for their cooperation and willingness to engage in the UAE’s mediation efforts despite the challenges of the ongoing war. The statement emphasized:
* The trust the UAE enjoys with both Russia and Ukraine.
* The appreciation Russia and Ukraine have for the UAE’s role in supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
* A reflection of the cooperative and friendly relationships between the UAE and both countries.
Regarding its vision for resolving the crisis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to:
* Continuing efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
* Advocating for diplomacy, dialogue, and de-escalation.
* Supporting all initiatives aimed at mitigating the humanitarian impact of the crisis, including addressing refugee and prisoner needs.
The UAE’s persistent vision reflects its determination to resolve a prolonged crisis, culminating in the successful mediation of 10 prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, including nine this year. These exchanges include:
* October 18, 2024: A prisoner exchange involving 190 prisoners equally from both sides.
* September 14, 2024: An exchange involving 206 prisoners equally from both sides.
* August 24, 2024: Russia regained 115 of its captured soldiers in exchange for a similar number of Ukrainian prisoners.
* July 17, 2024: Russia retrieved 95 of its captured soldiers in exchange for a similar number of Ukrainian prisoners.
* June 25, 2024: A prisoner exchange involving 180 prisoners from both sides.
* May 31, 2024: Russia recovered 75 of its captured soldiers in exchange for a similar number of Ukrainian prisoners.
* February 8, 2024: Russia recovered 100 of its captured soldiers in exchange for a similar number of Ukrainian prisoners.
* January 31, 2024: The return of 195 soldiers to Russia, in exchange for a similar number of Ukrainian prisoners.
* January 3, 2024: A mediation facilitated the return of 248 soldiers to Russia, in exchange for over 200 Ukrainian prisoners, marking one of the largest prisoner exchanges between the two sides since the start of the crisis in February 2022.
* February 4, 2023: A mediation led to the return of 63 “sensitive category” prisoners of war to Russia, in exchange for 116 Ukrainian prisoners.
Additionally, in December 2022, the UAE successfully mediated an exchange of two detainees between the United States and Russia. The UAE’s successful mediations, accompanied by continuous humanitarian and diplomatic efforts, offer a glimmer of hope towards resolving a crisis that impacts global security and stability, highlighting the UAE’s growing international stature and trust in its leadership.
The UAE’s successes reinforce its role as a key player and vital partner in achieving peace initiatives at the regional and international levels, drawing from its historical legacy and commitment to cooperation, humanitarian efforts, and promoting tolerance and solidarity.
