US & Russia Swap Prisoners in UAE | A Step Toward De-Escalation?
A major diplomatic coup in the UAE was signified with the prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia on Thursday. The process was overseen in Abu Dhabi with representatives of both countries present.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE confirmed that one American and one Russian citizen were reciprocally exchanged. Further, the ministry also appreciated both countries for their trust in Abu Dhabi to look after the exchange, noting, ‘This exchange reflects the UAE’s very strong and friendly relations with both sides.’
During the exchange, Russia also released Ksenia Karelina, the US-Russian ballet dancer sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony for treason.
Russia
— Saad Abedine (@SaadAbedine) April 10, 2025and the U.S.
carried out a prisoner swap early Thursday in Abu Dhabi, UAE
in a sign of continuing confidence building, as the two sides pursue a deal to end the war in Ukraine
Russia released Ksenia Karelina, a U.S.-Russian dual national who was sentenced last… pic.twitter.com/aXxCWABuZU
Abu Dhabi’s Role Grows on the Global Stage
The rendezvous was at Abu Dhabi airport, and according to reports, A CIA spokesperson commented on its importance, saying, “This makes open communication with Russia all the more valuable when relations are not at their best.”
Again, this indicates the UAE as an emerging country, which can play the role of a trusted mediator in international conflicts, and puts its name on the growing list of neutral diplomatic hubs.
https://twitter.com/SputnikInt/status/1910258917755564223
A Series of Swaps
This comes closely behind other rounds of exchanges that have taken place in quite some time. For example, in February, Russia let loose Kalob Wayne Byers, a 28-year-old American entertained with gummy candies laced with cannabis at a Moscow airport. At about this time, US teacher Marc Fogel was traded against the Russian cyber expert Alexander Vinnik.
