UAE mediates major prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine

More than 200 prisoners of war were freed from Russia and Ukraine, following a deal mediated by the UAE.

In a statement, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the success of the mediation efforts was a reflection of its "strong friendly relations" with both Moscow and Kyiv.

It's the first prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine in almost five months and the largest since the beginning of the war. 

Russia's Defence Ministry said 248 military personnel had been handed over by Ukraine. Kyiv said it had brought home 230 people - 224 soldiers and six civilians.

A video released by Ukrainian authorities showed returning prisoners draped in the country's blue and yellow flag filing off a bus, singing the national anthem and shouting patriotic slogans. 

The Russian Ministry of Defence also released a similar video of returning uniformed prisoners arriving in Belgorod in buses.

The UAE ministry offered both further humanitarian efforts and to find a peaceful solution to the war.