The key facts
- Russia and Ukraine exchanged 270 prisoners each — 540 people in total, with UAE mediation.
- This is the 27th exchange; the total number of people freed through the Emirates' efforts has reached 8,537.
- The previous exchange took place in August, when 206 people were released.
New prisoner exchange with UAE mediation
Russia and Ukraine agreed to release 540 prisoners as part of a new round of mediation by the UAE, the Foreign Ministry of the Emirates reported on Friday, October 23. Each side released 270 people. According to the ministry, the total number of prisoners exchanged by the countries thanks to the UAE's efforts has reached 8,537. This is the 27th exchange between Russia and Ukraine within the framework of negotiations organized by the Emirates.
Zelensky on the returned Ukrainians
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky published photographs of those released and wrote that National Guard fighters are returning home, including Azov warriors, border guards, warriors of the Territorial Defense Forces, the Navy, the Ground Forces, the Air Assault Forces and the State Special Transport Service, as well as nine civilians. According to him, most of them had been in captivity since 2022. 'We remember each and every one and continue to search for everyone. I thank everyone who works to make such exchanges possible,' the publication quoted Zelensky as saying.
Statement by the UAE Foreign Ministry
The UAE Foreign Ministry thanked both countries for their cooperation with the Emirates as a trusted international mediator and for recognizing its commitment to resolving the crisis. The ministry stated that the UAE will continue to support initiatives for a peaceful resolution of the war and for addressing humanitarian problems related to refugees and prisoners. The previous prisoner exchange between the countries took place in August, when 206 people were released.
