It was the 7th such exchange that the UAE has mediated since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 Since the war started, the UAE has mediated the release of 1,788 prisoners ABU DHABI: The UAE mediated between Russia and Ukraine for the release of 230 prisoners of war, the first such prisoner swap since Ukraine launched its offensive inside Russia this month. It was the 7th such exchange that the UAE has mediated since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, bringing the total number of prisoners released under the country’s mediation efforts since the war started to 1,788. In a statement, the UAE foreign ministry said the country’s mediation efforts, which comes a month after a previous successful mediation, reflect the solid ties that it shares with both countries. The ministry reiterated the UAE’s commitment to supporting all initiatives and efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war. “Dialogue and de-escalation are the only ways to resolve the crisis, which will contribute to alleviating the humanitarian impact caused by it,” the ministry said. Ukraine’s military on Aug. 6 launched a surprise attack into Russia’s Kursk region, the biggest attack inside Russian territory by a foreign power since World War Two. Kyiv has said it has carved out a buffer zone in an area that Russia, which sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in 2022, has used to pound targets in Ukraine.