Kremlin: Putin and Erdogan did not discuss the return of Azov leaders to Ukraine

Presidents of Russia and Turkey Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not discuss the issue of transferring the commanders of Azov (recognized as terrorist in Russia and prohibited) to Ukraine. This was announced by the press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov, write “RIA News”.

The fighters and commanders of the Ukrainian battalion ended up in Turkey in the fall of 2022. Then Moscow and Kyiv, through the mediation of Ankara, exchanged prisoners of war. According to Ukraine, Russia handed over 215 people to Ukraine, including over a hundred fighters and five Azov commanders, as well as ten mercenaries. Russia was transferred, including Ukrainian businessman and politician Viktor Medvedchuk.

On July 7, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visited Istanbul, where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Zelenskiy later announced his return to Ukraine, along with five Azov commanders.

Earlier on August 2, the presidents held a telephone conversation, during which, in particular, Deal about Putin’s visit to Turkey. The date of the visit has not yet been set. In addition, the leaders of the two countries discussed the grain agreement, which Russia left on July 17.

Putin again declaredthat Moscow is ready to return to the deal, but subject to the implementation of the Russian part of the agreements. It was noted that in the absence of progress in the implementation of the Russian terms of the deal, its next extension has lost its meaning.

At a meeting of the UN Security Council on July 21, First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyansky named seven conditions for Russia’s return to the grain agreement. It was stated that it was necessary to provide conditions for expanding the supply of fertilizers and raw materials for their production, connecting to the SWIFT international banking system, etc.