UAE mediates new exchange of captives between Russia, Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 25 prisoners of war each after negotiations mediated by the UAE.

This brings the total number of captives exchanged through UAE mediation to 2,583.

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to Russia and Ukraine for their cooperation, highlighting the trust both nations place in the UAE's mediation efforts.

This marks the 11th successful exchange since last year, underscoring the UAE's ongoing commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE's dedication to continuing its efforts to find peaceful solutions to the Ukraine crisis and address its humanitarian impact, particularly concerning refugees and captives.

"These are our military and civilians," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote on X. He said many of the Ukrainian POWs had severe injuries and illnesses and would receive medical care.

Russia's Defence Ministry said the two sides had swapped 25 prisoners each. The Russian POWs were currently in Belarus receiving medical and psychological support.

"All released servicemen will be transported to the Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of the Russian Ministry of Defence," it said.

Zelenskiy thanked the UAE, which has brokered similar swaps before, for its assistance "in making today's event possible."

Ukraine's co-ordination centre for POW affairs said the youngest freed prisoner was 24, while the oldest was 60.

"The wounded are suffering from injuries, including loss of vision, limb amputations, complex bullet wounds and the consequences of explosion-related injuries," the centre said in a statement on Telegram.