<a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/uae" target="_blank">UAE</a> mediation secured the exchange of 180 captives held by <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/russia" target="_blank">Russia</a> and <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/ukraine/" target="_blank">Ukraine</a> in their continuing conflict. This latest round of mediation is the fifth since the start of this year, with the UAE being a reliable intermediary that uses its ties with both countries to create a positive outcome. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its appreciation to both governments for their co-operation to make the exchange process a success. The ministry also reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict, stressing the need for dialogue, de-escalation and diplomacy, and called on Russia and Ukraine to minimise the effects of war on humanitarian conditions. The five UAE-mediated exchanges are in addition to the successful swap of two prisoners between the <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/us/" target="_blank">US</a> and Russia in December 2022.