The UAE has successfully mediated another prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, securing the release of 206 captives as the country continues its diplomatic efforts to support humanitarian initiatives linked to the conflict. Under the latest UAE mediation, 103 Russian and 103 Ukrainian captives were released. The exchange marks the 26th mediation effort facilitated by the UAE between the two countries and takes the total number of captives exchanged through UAE-mediated efforts to 7,997.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said both Russia and Ukraine cooperated with the mediation efforts and recognised the UAE’s continued role as an international mediator.
The latest development comes less than two months after the UAE facilitated another exchange involving 320 captives, with 160 released by each side. That operation brought the cumulative number of captives exchanged through UAE mediation to 7,791.
UAE Mediation Efforts Continue to Support Humanitarian Exchanges
The latest UAE mediation reflects the country’s continued focus on humanitarian outcomes alongside broader diplomatic efforts surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Prisoner exchanges have provided a channel for practical cooperation between Russia and Ukraine, allowing captives to return to their respective countries despite the wider challenges surrounding the conflict.
The UAE has repeatedly said it supports initiatives aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the crisis and reducing its humanitarian consequences. Its mediation efforts have included facilitating multiple prisoner exchanges and supporting dialogue between the parties.
Earlier this year, the UAE also hosted two rounds of trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi, providing a setting for discussions aimed at advancing diplomatic engagement. The country has also participated in humanitarian initiatives connected to the impact of the conflict.
The continued exchanges demonstrate the role of mediation in addressing specific humanitarian issues while wider negotiations remain ongoing.
Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Exchange Brings Total to 7,997
The latest Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange brings the number of captives released through UAE-mediated efforts to 7,997, underlining the scale of the country’s involvement in facilitating humanitarian exchanges.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the latest mediation as reflecting the distinguished relations between the UAE, Russia and Ukraine, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
The UAE has maintained a position focused on dialogue, diplomacy and efforts to reduce the humanitarian impact of the conflict, including its effect on captives and refugees.
With 26 mediation efforts now completed, the latest exchange adds to a series of agreements facilitated by the UAE since the conflict began. Previous exchanges in 2026 have involved hundreds of captives at a time, including a 400-person exchange in March and a 350-person exchange in April.
The UAE said it will continue supporting initiatives aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict and mitigating its humanitarian consequences.
