The DPR said that the return of the commanders of “Azov” will not affect the special operation

The return of the commanders of the nationalist association “Azov” (recognized as terrorist in Russia and prohibited) from Turkey to Ukraine will not change the situation in the special operation zone. This was stated by adviser to the acting head of the DPR, Yan Gagin, transmit “RIA News”.

“These people have already shown how they know how to fight – they know how to fight badly. Therefore, the few people transferred to Zelensky, who are smaller than the department in terms of numbers, will not be able to seriously strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine in their offensive, ”he said.

According to Gagin, the return of the leaders of “Azov” is necessary only for the media effect. He recalled that both the commanders and the military personnel of this association “showed their inconsistency” in the defense of Azovstal.

On July 7, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. The next day, the Ukrainian leader informed about his return to Ukraine along with five Azov commanders.

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. Among other things, the Ukrainian businessman and politician Viktor Medvedchuk was handed over to Russia.

Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. The next day, fighting began 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.