UAE brokers new exchange of 168 war captives between Russia and Ukraine
Swap includes civilians held since 2014 and Mariupol defenders, raising total UAE-mediated exchanges to 4,349
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Ukrainian citizens returning from Russian captivity during a prisoner exchange
@ZelenskyyUa/X
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced the success of mediation efforts in a new exchange of war captives between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine, WAM reported.
The swap included 84 Ukrainian captives and 84 Russian captives, bringing the total number exchanged through UAE mediation to 4,349.
In May, the UAE also mediated an exchange involving 205 Ukrainian captives and 205 Russian captives.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation to both countries for cooperating with the UAE’s efforts. The ministry said the cooperation reflects the confidence and appreciation of both sides for the UAE’s role in supporting all efforts to resolve the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
The ministry added that the success of this 16th mediation reflects the strong ties between the UAE and the two countries. It reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the conflict and easing the humanitarian impact, including on refugees and captives.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the release in a post on X.
We are bringing Ukrainians back home to Ukraine. A new exchange, 84 people, both military personnel and civilians. Almost all of them require medical care and significant rehabilitation.
Among the civilians released today are those who had been held by the Russians since 2014,… pic.twitter.com/ITZDetOHIQ
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 14, 2025
“We are bringing Ukrainians back home to Ukraine, a new exchange, 84 people, both military personnel and civilians. Almost all of them require medical care and significant rehabilitation,” he said.
The president expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped secure the release of Ukrainian captives.
“I thank our team, all those in the Coordination Headquarters, the Defense Intelligence, the Office, and the special services who work to bring our people back. I thank the UAE for its assistance in this exchange,” he added.
He also praised the military for their bravery on the frontline and confirmed that there will be more exchanges.
Since the start of 2024, the UAE has successfully mediated 15 prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, it played a pivotal role in securing a high-profile exchange of prisoners between the United States and Russia in December 2022.
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