Russia and Ukraine Agree to Significant Prisoner Swap Mediated by UAE

Russia and Ukraine plan to exchange 115 prisoners each this Saturday, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates. This marks the first swap since Ukraine's recent offensive in Russia. The UAE has played a crucial role in mediating prisoner releases since the conflict began in 2022.

Russia and Ukraine are set to swap 115 prisoners each this Saturday following negotiations mediated by the United Arab Emirates, an Emirati official disclosed under anonymity because the details were not yet public. No immediate comments were available from Russian and Ukrainian authorities.

This marks the seventh prisoner exchange mediated by the UAE since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Abu Dhabi has balanced its warm relations with both Moscow and Kyiv, leveraging its diplomatic reach to mediate and facilitate cooperation and security discussions between the conflicting nations.

To date, the UAE's mediation has led to the release of 1,788 prisoners, including those set for release this Saturday. The swap occurs amidst heightened tensions following Ukraine's largest offensive inside Russian territory since World War Two this month.

(With inputs from agencies.)