City 1016

Chill Tonight
Teri Deewani
Kailash Kher

Listen To City 1016

UAE mediates 'largest' prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine

Sunday, 20 April 2025 16:30

By ARN News Staff

Photo by Tetiana DZHAFAROVA / AFP

The UAE has successfully mediated the exchange of 538 war captives between Russia and Ukraine, the largest exchange since the outbreak of the conflict.

It's the 14th mediated prisoner exchange between the two countries, national news agency Wam reported.

Ukraine saw the return of 246 war captives and 31 wounded soldiers, while Russia welcomed home 246 prisoners of war and 15 wounded servicemen.

A total of 3,771 prisoners have now been exchanged between Russia and Ukraine through UAE's mediation efforts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its appreciation to the governments of Russia and Ukraine for their cooperation in making the exchange a success.

It also reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict, stressing the importance of resorting to dialogue, de-escalation, and diplomacy, as the only ways to resolve it, while mitigating humanitarian repercussions.

In a post on social media platform X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the UAE for its "mediation efforts".

"I am especially grateful to the United Arab Emirates for their mediation," he wrote.

More from Local News

UAE ministry urges remote work for private sector in weather-hit areas

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is urging private sector companies in areas most affected by the current weather to implement remote work on Friday, December 19.
UAE completes loading aid ship with 10 million meals for Gaza

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship has completed loading over 10 million meals at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai declares remote work for govt. staff, private sector urged to follow suit

Dubai has declared remote working for all government entities on Friday, December 19, due to the unstable weather forecast across the country, with the private sector urged to do the same.
Dubai carriers issue travel advisory amid fluctuating weather

Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) are advised to check their flight status and allow extra time for their journey due to adverse weather.
Dubai Police fully prepared for weather-related emergencies

Dubai Police say they are fully prepared to respond to any emergencies amid unstable weather conditions, with land and marine rescue teams deployed across the emirate.
Dubai public parks, beaches closed for two days

Due to unstable weather conditions, Dubai Municipality has announced the closure of public beaches and parks across the emirate on Thursday, December 18, and Friday, December 19, to ensure public safety.
More rain forecast in Dubai for late Thursday, says NCM

More rainfall has been forecast for Dubai from late Thursday to early Friday, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said, warning residents to exercise caution.
UAE issues federal decree-law establishing National Media Authority

The UAE has issued a federal decree-law establishing the National Media Authority as a public federal entity affiliated to the UAE Cabinet.
UAE leaders laud 'deep-rooted partnership' on Qatar's National Day

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has led messages congratulating Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the country's National Day, which falls on December 18.
Dubai authorities urge caution amid unstable weather

Dubai authorities are urging the public to take precautions as unstable weather is forecast from Wednesday, December 17, through to Friday, December 19.
UAE steps up Gaza relief efforts as winter storm intensifies

The UAE’s humanitarian mission in the Gaza Strip is stepping up relief efforts as winter storms worsen conditions for displaced families.
UAE, Azerbaijan Presidents strengthen bilateral cooperation

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations with Azerbaijan's leader Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai unveils unified platform to drive future innovation

Dubai is launching a unified platform to advance research, development and innovation across the emirate.
UAE announces new cut-off age for KG, Grade 1 school admissions

Starting the 2026–2027 academic year, the cut-off age for admissions to Kindergarten and Grade 1 will shift to December 31, from the previous date of August 31.
Dubai Police recognised as world’s most agile police force

Dubai Police has been named the world’s most agile police organisation after receiving accreditation from the Business Agility Institute.
UAE honours Professor Majed Chergui with 'Great Arab Minds' award

Professor Majed Chergui has been honoured with the UAE's "Great Arab Minds" award in Natural Sciences for his pioneering contributions to capturing ultrafast motion at the atomic scale.
UAE issues yellow alert as dusty conditions reduce visibility

Motorists have been advised to exercise caution on the road after UAE weather bureau issued a yellow dust alert and warned of visibility dropping to less than 2,000 metres in some parts.
Traffic diversions in Ras Al Khor for Dubai Metro Blue Line works

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has advised motorists of new traffic diversions in Ras Al Khor as construction works continue for the Metro Blue Line project.
UAE set for second phase of single-use plastic ban

The UAE is set to significantly widen its ban on single-use plastics, with the second phase coming into effect on January 1, 2026.
Minor earthquake recorded east of Saudi Arabia

A 4.3 Magnitude Earthquake has been recorded in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday at 2:11 am UAE time, according to weather authorities.

News

UAE ministry urges remote work for private sector in weather-hit areas
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is urging private sector companies in areas most affected by the current weather to implement remote work on Friday, December 19.
UAE completes loading aid ship with 10 million meals for Gaza
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship has completed loading over 10 million meals at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai declares remote work for govt. staff, private sector urged to follow suit
Dubai has declared remote working for all government entities on Friday, December 19, due to the unstable weather forecast across the country, with the private sector urged to do the same.