UAE, US mediate second day of Ukraine, Russia prisoner swap

The United Arab Emirates says a joint mediation effort with the United States has led to a second consecutive day of prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.

According to the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), 300 prisoners from each side were released on Friday, bringing the total number freed to 600 in the latest exchange. Over the past two days, 1,000 prisoners have been swapped, the ministry said.

Officials added the latest operation brings the total number of prisoners exchanged through UAE mediation since the war began to 5,955.

The ministry thanked both Russia and Ukraine for cooperating with the joint mediation effort, saying the exchange reflected continued international attempts to find humanitarian solutions during the conflict.

It also said the UAE had now conducted 20 mediation initiatives since the war began, highlighting its role in facilitating negotiations between the two sides.

The UAE reiterated its support for efforts aimed at achieving a broader political settlement to the conflict and reducing its humanitarian impact.

Abu Dhabi has previously hosted two rounds of trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States, part of what officials describe as efforts to promote dialogue and support diplomatic engagement.