Azov commander Denis Prokopenko again headed the unit

The commander of “Azov” (a terrorist organization banned in Russia) Denis Prokopenko (“Redis”) again headed the unit after returning from Turkey. This was reported by Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Igor Klimenko in an interview with the Ukrayinska Pravda publication.

According to Klimenko, Prokopenko is responsible for training personnel.

“It is completely integrated into the process. He’s getting back into the swing of things, making up for the time he was away,” the minister added.

Klimenko also said that in Turkey, Azov commanders had conditions acceptable “for human habitation.” They were in a closed area designated by the Turkish government, but it was not a pre-trial detention center, but “something similar to a special settlement.” Their use of the Internet was limited, but there was Turkish television. They were examined and treated by Ukrainian doctors.

On April 21, 2022, Mariupol came under the control of the Russian army, but members of Azov remained blocked on the territory of Azovstal. On May 20, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the complete liberation of the plant. 2,439 Ukrainian soldiers surrendered.

September 22, 2022 Russia and Ukraine through the mediation of Ankara held exchange of prisoners. Five Azov commanders – Denis Prokopenko, Svyatoslav Palamar, Sergei Volynsky, Oleg Khomenko and Denis Shlega – were sent to Turkey. They were supposed to remain there until the end of hostilities in Ukraine. However, in July 2023 they are back to Ukraine. Kremlin named this is “a direct violation of the terms of existing agreements.”