In a significant development Russia and Ukraine engaged in a major exchange of prisoners of war on Wednesday, marking the most extensive release since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
According to Ukrainian authorities, 230 Ukrainian prisoners of war were successfully repatriated in this exchange, representing the first such release in nearly five months. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that 248 Russian servicemen were also freed as part of this agreement, which was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The UAE’s Foreign Ministry attributed the success of the prisoner swap to the “strong friendly relations between the UAE and both the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine, which were supported by sustained calls at the highest levels.” This exchange is a notable development in the ongoing conflict, providing a glimmer of diplomatic progress amid the tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Despite the imposition of Western sanctions and international pressure on Russia following its invasion in 2022, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has continued to maintain robust economic ties with Moscow. This steadfast economic relationship between the UAE and Russia stands out as the UAE has chosen to sustain its connections with Russia amid the geopolitical challenges and global repercussions associated with Russia’s actions. a significant development
Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, said it was the 49th prisoner exchange during the war.
Some of the Ukrainians had been held since 2022. Among them were some of those who fought in milestone battles for Ukraine’s Snake Island and the Ukrainian city of Mariupol.