Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Swap in UAE

In a significant development, Russia and Ukraine have successfully exchanged 115 prisoners of war from each side, totaling 230 captives, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) facilitating the process. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced this as part of its ongoing mediation efforts, marking the seventh such exchange this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the return of 115 Ukrainian POWs, while Russia acknowledged the release of its servicemen captured during Ukraine's military operations in the Kursk region. This latest exchange is particularly notable as it follows Ukraine's unexpected incursion into Russia's Kursk region on August 6, which has been described as one of the most significant cross-border attacks since the war began in 2022. The ongoing conflict has seen both nations engage in periodic prisoner swaps despite the lack of formal peace negotiations. The UAE has played a crucial role in these exchanges, with a total of 1,788 captives exchanged through its mediation since the war's onset. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards the Ukrainian troops who contributed to the exchange, highlighting that many of the returned soldiers had defended Mariupol in 2022. As Ukraine celebrated its 33rd independence day from the Soviet Union, Zelenskyy emphasized the resilience of the nation against Russian aggression, stating that the war has "returned to its home." In a related move, Zelenskyy signed a law ratifying the Rome Statute, which is a step towards Ukraine's integration with the International Criminal Court and its aspirations to strengthen ties with the European Union.