Five Azov commanders returned to Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced his return from Turkey to Ukraine, along with five commanders of the Azov nationalist association (recognized as terrorist in Russia and banned).

A video posted on the Ukrainian president’s Telegram channel shows how the commanders are taken to the airport, after which they fly to Ukraine on Zelensky’s plane.

Russia and Ukraine in September last year with the mediation of Turkey held exchange of prisoners. According to the Ukrainian side, Moscow handed over 215 people to Kyiv, including more than a hundred fighters and five Azov commanders, as well as ten mercenaries. Russia was transferred, including Ukrainian businessman and politician Viktor Medvedchuk.

Zelensky then wrote in his Telegram channel that the Azov commanders who returned from captivity would remain in Turkey until the end of hostilities in Ukraine. Turkish newspaper Hürriyet later in January reportedthat this was a requirement of Russia.

On July 7, Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. Following the meeting, Erdogan declaredthat Ukraine deserves NATO membership.

Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. The next day, the Russian military began to fight in Mariupol. On April 21 of the same year, the city completely came under the control of the Russian army, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported. However, the members of Azov remained blocked on the territory of Azovstal. On May 20, Shoigu announced the completion of the operation and the complete liberation of the plant. 2,439 Ukrainian soldiers left the factory and surrendered, Shoigu said at the time.