His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Vladimir Putin reaffirm growing partnership amid UAE’s humanitarian role in Ukraine conflict
In a strong display of strategic diplomacy and humanitarian leadership, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral ties and efforts to support peace in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The call, which came ahead of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on 9 May, reaffirmed the evolving UAE-Russia strategic partnership and acknowledged the UAE’s growing role in international mediation. Sheikh Mohamed extended his congratulations to Putin on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and expressed his wishes for Russia’s continued progress and prosperity.
Acknowledging UAE’s Role in Prisoner Exchange
Central to their discussion was the UAE’s pivotal role in mediating the largest prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine since the war began. President Putin thanked Sheikh Mohamed for Abu Dhabi’s successful mediation, which, in April, resulted in the release of 246 Ukrainian and 246 Russian prisoners, alongside the repatriation of 46 wounded soldiers from both sides.
This exchange brought the total number of prisoners swapped through UAE mediation to 3,771 — a testament to the Emirates’ neutrality, diplomacy, and trusted international standing. President Putin described the UAE’s efforts as “consistent and constructive,” highlighting the country’s unique role in humanitarian initiatives amidst a highly polarised global landscape.
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that this marked the 14th successful mediation carried out by the country since the conflict began. Such sustained engagement not only strengthens its ties with both Moscow and Kyiv but also enhances the UAE’s position as a reliable broker for peace and dialogue.
Strengthening Strategic and Security Cooperation
Beyond humanitarian efforts, the UAE and Russia reaffirmed their mutual interest in expanding strategic cooperation across multiple domains. The conversation followed a similar call held on 24 March between the two leaders, where both sides had expressed intent to enhance collaboration in areas including trade, security, energy, and technology.
Complementing the leaders’ dialogue, Vladimir Putin also received His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of the UAE, at the conclusion of his official visit to Russia. Sheikh Saif conveyed President Mohamed bin Zayed’s warm regards and held discussions that underlined the historic and expanding nature of bilateral ties.
The talks between Sheikh Saif and President Putin focused particularly on cooperation in the security and law enforcement sectors. Both sides welcomed the launch of a strategic police dialogue and ongoing joint training initiatives, particularly in the area of child protection. These efforts aim to enhance joint capabilities and ensure that shared threats are addressed collaboratively.
Also present at the meeting was Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation, who reiterated the importance of sustaining dialogue and cooperation between the two nations.
UAE’s Neutral Diplomacy and Global Standing
During their exchanges, both President Mohamed bin Zayed and President Putin underscored the importance of continued communication in a rapidly changing international environment. The UAE’s foreign policy, marked by non-alignment and dialogue-first diplomacy, continues to place it in a unique position to engage constructively with global powers on difficult issues.
President Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s enduring commitment to peace, stressing that its efforts in Ukraine were not political but humanitarian in nature. He reaffirmed support for all initiatives aimed at reducing the humanitarian cost of the conflict and finding a peaceful resolution that benefits both peoples.
Putin’s warm acknowledgment of the UAE’s role stands in contrast to the West’s often sceptical view of Moscow’s allies and further underscores the UAE’s ability to maintain trusted relations across geopolitical divides.
Looking Ahead
The deepening partnership between the UAE and Russia reflects a broader trend in which the Emirates is positioning itself as a global actor capable of bridging East and West, conflict and dialogue. With President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at the helm, the UAE continues to champion diplomacy over division and practical cooperation over ideological confrontation.
As the world grapples with overlapping crises, from war to climate change, the UAE’s example of balanced, pragmatic foreign policy could offer a blueprint for other middle powers seeking to amplify their role on the global stage. For now, its mediation in Ukraine and growing security and diplomatic ties with Russia are clear markers of its rising international stature.
