Latest UAE mediation helps Russia, Ukraine swap 206 prisoners of war
Last updated: August 19, 2026 | 18:12
Ukrainian prisoners of war shout slogans while they pose for a picture after a swap at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Wednesday. Reuters
The UAE has announced the success of new mediation efforts between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine, resulting in the release of 103 captives from each side, bringing the total number of captives exchanged between the two countries through UAE-mediated efforts to 7,997.
Russian servicemen sit in a bus after returning from captivity during a Prisoners Of War exchange in Belarus on Wednesday. AP
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) commended both countries for their cooperation with the UAE’s mediation endeavors as a trusted international mediator, and their appreciation of the UAE’s commitment to supporting all efforts to resolve the crisis.
The Ministry emphasised that the success of this mediation, the 26th to date, reflects the distinguished relations between the UAE, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine.
Ukrainian prisoners of war react after a swap on Wednesday. Reuters
Furthermore, the Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to ensuring the success of all efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine and mitigating the humanitarian impact of the crisis, including on refugees and captives.