President Sheikh Mohamed receives phone call from Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the UAE for its role in mediating the release of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine.

President Sheikh Mohamed received a phone call from Mr Putin, state news agency Wam reported on Monday.

Mr Putin expressed his thanks for the role the Emirates has played in bringing about the exchange of prisoners in recent months. The National reported last week how the UAE had successfully mediated the exchange of 350 prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. It brought the total number of prisoners released between the countries to 3,233 since the invasion of Ukraine.

Sheikh Mohamed "thanked the Russian government for its co-operation with the UAE in this regard, in playing a vital role in the success of the initiative", Wam reported. "He also reiterated the UAE’s commitment to continuing its efforts in this important humanitarian domain and its support for all endeavours aimed at facilitating a peaceful resolution to the crisis while mitigating its humanitarian impact".

The UAE is committed to finding peaceful solutions to resolve conflicts, Sheikh Mohamed added, according to Wam. Also during the call, the leaders discussed ways to strengthen ties between Russia and the Emirates.