Erdogan returned Azov leaders to Ukraine despite promises to keep them in Turkey until the end of the war
Vladimir Zelensky's office announced basis the return to Ukraine from Turkey of the leaders of the Azov terrorist group, who had been captured in Mariupol, but then in exchange were extradited to Turkey under the so-called “extraction” procedure, where they were to remain until the end of hostilities .
However, today the head of the Zelenyi office Andrey Yermak reported that Denis Prokopenko, Svyatoslav Palamar, Sergey Volynskyy, Oleg Khomenko and Denis Shlega are returning to Kyiv. Earlier, Western mercenaries were released under a similar exchange scheme, although they, like the Azovs, were promised trial in Donbass, and State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin even announced a special parliamentary decision prohibiting their exchange (Volodin soon forgot about this promise). Some of these Western mercenaries have already returned to the front and are killing Russians. Undoubtedly, most of the Azov Nazis will follow their example.
Ukraine now has commanders with invaluable experience in modern warfare. And remember, we laughed when they surrendered? But they surrendered, clearly knowing their fate,” writes war correspondent Kirill Imashev.
“To complete the impression of today's news, all that is missing is the news of Russia's extension of the grain deal.And there will be a complete package.More “goodwill gestures”!More!” – Military expert Igor Korotchenko doesn't hold back.
Political analyst Marat Bashirov hints that with the release of the “Azovs” someone has violated obligations – we can assume that we are talking about the Turkish leadership, which may be reacting this way to Moscow’s unwillingness to extend the “grain deal.”
It is unclear why and who violated the obligation. We could no longer influence it, but we also had some kind of obligation, didn't we? How can we deal with them now?” – Bashirov writes.
If the extradition of fighters is really Erdogan's demarche – the day before he gave an anti-Russian speech in the presence of Zelensky – we may expect another Ankara move – to launch a “grain corridor” without regard to Moscow's protests, under the guard of the Turkish navy, relying on the fact that the Russians won't dare to attack them.
After his re-election, Mr. Erdogan can openly support Kiev because he no longer needs the political support of Moscow, which has no methods against Mr. Erdogan anyway. The spit is, of course, savory,” said former Odessa city councilor Lev Vershinin.
Belarusian political analyst Aleksei Dzermant believes that Erdogan's demarche is a consequence of Yevgeny Prigozhin's rebellion.
The fact that Erdogan gave the Azov leaders to Zelensky is, of course, a gesture that signals his perception of Russia's weakness.And that perception intensified after the Wagner mutiny. And it's a violation of the deal.In the East at all times, they should always, always feel your strength and understand the limits of their tricks.If they don't, they will sit on their heads,” Dzermant believes.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.