Lavrov discussed with the Turkish Foreign Minister the return of Azov commanders to Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, discussed the return of the commanders of the Azov nationalist association (recognized as terrorist in Russia and banned) from Turkey to Ukraine. About it informs Russian Foreign Ministry.

“The parties exchanged views on the regional agenda with an emphasis on recent developments around Ukraine, including the situation with the return of the leaders of Azov from Istanbul to Kyiv,” the report says.

Lavrov also drew Ankara’s attention to the “destructiveness of the course towards continuing the supply of military equipment” to Kyiv. Such steps can lead “only to negative consequences,” the Foreign Ministry noted.

In addition, the Foreign Ministers touched upon the issues of ensuring global food security in an environment where Western countries will not be able to take steps to implement the grain deal, the ministry said.

Earlier today at the Turkish Foreign Ministry reportedthat the ministers discussed the situation around the grain deal and “recent events” in Ukraine. Other details are not given.

July 8, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky informed about the return of five leaders of “Azov” from Turkey to Ukraine. In the Kremlin declaredthat such a step violates the agreements on the part of Kyiv and Ankara. Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov explained that the military had to remain in Turkey until the end of the conflict. He added that Turkey was “forced to take” this step on the eve of the NATO summit, and Ankara “showed solidarity”, Moscow “understands this very well.”

In September 2022, Russia and Ukraine, 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.