The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making mediation efforts to reduce tensions between Russia and Ukraine. It is reported by RIA Novosti with reference to a high-ranking diplomatic source in Abu Dhabi.

“Mediation between Russia and Ukraine is a continuation of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen the foundations of global peace and stability in order to reduce tensions and find diplomatic solutions to crises,” the agency’s interlocutor said, commenting on the information about the new release of the Russian military from Ukrainian captivity.

The UAE is making efforts to mediate the deal following a meeting in St. Petersburg last October between Emirati President Mohammed bin Zeid Al Nahyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said.

According to him, from the very beginning of the conflict, Abu Dhabi called for de-escalation and supported all diplomatic initiatives.

The UAE is confident that diplomacy remains the only "viable way" to end the Ukrainian crisis, the diplomat added.

On February 4, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the release of 63 Russian fighters from Ukrainian captivity thanks to the leadership of the UAE.

The department said that persons of a “sensitive category” had returned to Russia.