A devastating earthquake has shaken eastern Afghanistan, leaving our neighboring nation in profound grief and desperate need of rescue operations. The catastrophic tremors have claimed at least 1,400 precious lives and left over 3,000 people injured across the affected regions. Families have been torn apart, communities destroyed, and countless survivors remain trapped beneath the rubble, fighting for their lives as rescue teams race against time. International Response In response to this humanitarian crisis, the United Arab Emirates has mobilized comprehensive relief efforts under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. UAE Search and Rescue teams, alongside units from the Joint Operations Command, have been deployed to coordinate with local Afghan authorities. The UAE mission includes conducting crucial field assessments to determine proper response strategies, providing logistical support to affected areas, and executing rescue operations to ext...
Kyiv/Moscow, January 4, 2024 - Ukraine and Russia have carried out their first major prisoner exchange since last August, in a deal negotiated with help from the United Arab Emirates.
The exchange, which took place on January 3, saw nearly 500 prisoners of war returned home by both sides. According to Ukrainian sources, Kyiv handed over 248 Russian military personnel in exchange for the release of 230 Ukrainians, including both military personnel and six civilians.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the numbers, stating that the deal represented "the largest" prisoner swap since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in late February 2023. The released Ukrainians included soldiers, border guards, and navy personnel who had been captured during months of intense fighting.
Russia also confirmed the exchange, with state television channel RT reporting that Moscow had secured the release of 173 Russian civilians and military in the deal. Margarita Simonovna, the channel's editor-in-chief, said the prisoners were now being provided medical treatment after their ordeal.
The agreement was mediated by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a statement, the UAE thanked both Ukraine and Russia for their cooperation and responsiveness to the diplomatic efforts. It reiterated the UAE's commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
International humanitarian law requires the repatriation of captured soldiers after active hostilities cease. However, some critics argue that Russia's delay in facilitating prisoner exchanges may constitute a violation of provisions in the Geneva Conventions. Russia has also faced controversy for putting some captured Ukrainians on trial, though it claims the convictions were lawful.
The mass prisoner swap will provide relief to many families on both sides and offers a rare sign of cooperation amidst the bitter fighting. It remains to be seen if it can help build momentum for further negotiations to end the nine-month war.
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