Russia and Ukraine exchange 540 captives after latest UAE mediation

In a significant development, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to exchange 540 captives following a new round of UAE-led mediation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Each nation pledged to release 270 captives, bringing the total number of individuals exchanged between the two countries through UAE efforts to 8,537. The Ministry expressed gratitude to both nations for their cooperation with the UAE, an esteemed international mediator, in their ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shared images of the released detainees, including National Guard members, border guards, Territorial Defense Forces warriors, Navy personnel, Land Forces soldiers, Airborne Assault Forces members, the State Special Transport Service, and nine civilians, many of whom had been held captive since 2022.

He emphasized that most of the released individuals were remembered and that the search for others continued. Zelenskiy also thanked everyone involved in facilitating these exchanges. This marks the 27th detainee exchange between Russia and Ukraine via UAE-led talks. The Ministry stated that the Emirates would persist in supporting initiatives for a peaceful resolution to the war and addressing the humanitarian impact on refugees and prisoners. The two nations last exchanged captives in August, when 206 were released.