UAE Steps In: Mediates Return of 146 Russian Soldiers During POW Exchange

On August 24, 2025, Russia and Ukraine conducted a mutual prisoner exchange, each releasing 146 detainees, in a process facilitated through humanitarian mediation by the United Arab Emirates.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, 146 Russian servicemen were released from Ukrainian-controlled territory and are currently located in Belarus, where they are receiving necessary medical and psychological support. The ministry emphasized that these soldiers would soon be transferred to Russian military medical institutions for further treatment and rehabilitation.

In addition to the military personnel, eight Russian citizens from the Kursk region, who were reportedly illegally detained by Ukrainian authorities, were also included in the return. All individuals are expected to be reunited with their families in the coming days.

On the Ukrainian side, 146 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were also released and welcomed back home. Officials expressed gratitude for the efforts that led to the safe return of the prisoners, many of whom had been held since the early stages of the conflict.

This exchange marks another significant moment in a series of high-stakes negotiations between the two countries, which remain locked in a prolonged conflict. The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a trusted humanitarian mediator, successfully navigating the complex diplomatic landscape to enable this and previous exchanges.

While hostilities continue on multiple fronts, moments like these offer rare glimpses of cooperation, providing relief to the families of those returned and underscoring the importance of third-party diplomatic engagement in conflict resolution.