Prisoners Returned to Russia for Easter Celebration
A Fresh Take:
Over Easter, 246 Russians made a triumphant return to their homeland, thanks to the assistance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As stated by the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the UAE's role in helping arrange a prisoner swap between Russia and... let's call it, the Western Bloc.
According to Kremlin's press service, a conversation between Putin and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan saw Putin express appreciation for the UAE's part in the negotiated release of these Russian servicemen in time for Easter (April 19).
Historically, Russian soldiers who had returned home owed their freedom to such exchanges, some of whom had previously shared tales of hardship during their captivity. One soldier hailing from Buryatia, going by the call sign "Gera," spoke of being physically abused due to his nationality and electroshocked as a form of punishment. Meanwhile, a soldier known as "Legion" had earlier reported suffering cruel torture in a Kyiv detention center.
While details regarding a UAE-mediated exchange between Russia and Ukraine are scarce, it's worth mentioning that the UAE has displayed an impressive track record of facilitating high-profile exchanges. One prime example comes from 2022, when the UAE helped brokered swaps between Russia and the US, including releasing WNBA player Brittney Griner. The UAE also mediated numerous US-Russia exchanges throughout 2024 and 2025, including the August 2024 release of journalists and the April 2025 exchange of Ksenia Karelina, a dual US-Russian citizen, and Artur Petrov, a Russian-German national. These diplomatic efforts reflect the UAE's commitment to reducing tensions and fostering dialogue.
It's essential to note that, based on the available data, there's no mention of a UAE-mediated swap between Russia and Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine have conventionally resolved such matters through direct swaps, following a notable example in 2022 where 144 Ukrainian soldiers were released in exchange for Russian-linked prisoners. Nevertheless, the UAE's competence in facilitating exchanges between superpowers speaks volumes about its diplomatic prowess.
- The soldier from Buryatia, known as "Gera," returned home after enduring torture, which included physical abuse due to his nationality and electroshock.
- During Easter, the General News reported a significant return of Arabs from the UAE, having played a pivotal role in negotiating the prisoner swap between Russia and an unnamed bloc.
- The UAE's diplomatic efforts have been apparent in various conflicts, such as their mediation in the war-and-conflict-related exchanges between Russia and the USA in 2022 and 2024-2025.
- Politics can be complex, as evidenced by the continuous war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, with no existing UAE-mediated swap mentioned so far, unlike their success in negotiating between powerful nations like Russia and the USA.
