MOSCOW — United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the UAE is ready to support peace efforts in Ukraine. The statement was made during an informal meeting between the two leaders on Sunday, which continued late into the night at Putin’s residence outside Moscow.
In their discussions, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the UAE’s ongoing role in mediating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. “We continue to make efforts to mediate the exchange of prisoners,” Sheikh Mohammed said, speaking through a translator at the Kremlin on Monday. “And I assure you that we will continue to work in this direction. We are ready to make any efforts to resolve crises and in the interests of peace, in the interests of both sides.”
Putin has previously expressed his appreciation for the mediation efforts by both Sheikh Mohammed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman concerning the conflict in Ukraine.
The UAE has positioned itself as a neutral player in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, engaging in diplomatic efforts to foster dialogue and help negotiate prisoner exchanges, while maintaining strong ties with both Moscow and Western nations.
As the war in Ukraine continues, with no immediate resolution in sight, the UAE’s role in promoting peace and dialogue may serve as a valuable channel for future diplomatic efforts.