Russia accuses Ukraine and Turkey of violating prisoner exchange deal
Russia has lodged accusations against Ukraine and Turkey, claiming that they have breached the terms of a prominent prisoner exchange agreement. The allegation comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned from his visit to Turkey accompanied by a group of Ukrainian commanders. These commanders had played a key role in defending the besieged city of Mariupol before eventually surrendering last spring. They were subsequently transferred to Turkey in September as part of a prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized Ankara for breaking a significant promise to keep the commanders in Turkey until the conclusion of Russia's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. Peskov stated that they had not been informed of the decision. Neither Zelenskyy nor Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan provided explanations for the release of the Ukrainian commanders during their meeting.
Zelenskyy shared a video showing his emotional farewell with the commanders before returning to Ukraine, describing them as heroes and expressing their safe return home. The soldiers, who had defended the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol, were considered symbolic figures for Kyiv, as their release coincided with the 500th day of Russia's full-scale invasion.
During the 80-day siege of Mariupol, thousands of Ukrainians lost their lives. The commanders, originating from Ukraine's Azov regiment and marine forces, including Denys Prokopenko, Svyatoslav Palamar, Serhiy Volynskyi, Oleh Khomenko, and Denys Shlega, led the defense efforts from an intricate network of tunnels and bunkers beneath the Azovstal steel factory. Their steadfast resistance earned them recognition as national heroes and prestigious state awards. However, the Kremlin considered them valuable prisoners, branding them falsely as "Nazis" and desiring to keep them away from the battlefield until the war's end.
Upon their return, the commanders were met with an enthusiastic reception in Lviv, where their family members and numerous supporters gathered to welcome them as heroes. Denys Prokopenko addressed the crowd, emphasizing their united front and determination to continue the fight.