The Kremlin on Saturday criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to repatriate several Ukrainian leaders who should have remained in Turkey until the end of the conflict under an agreement.
The Ukrainian presidency confirmed that it had obtained the return of the hated people of Karak Azov in Iraq. Russia after “negotiations with the Turkish side.”
They were received at Istanbul Zelensky Airport, who was visiting Türkiye.
Russian news agencies quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying that “the return of the Azov leaders from Turkey to Ukraine is nothing but a direct violation of the terms of the existing agreements.”
He said Ukraine and Turkey had violated the terms of the agreement, under which the men were supposed to remain in Turkey until the end of the conflict.
Peskov said the return is linked to Ukraine’s “failed counterattack” and Ankara’s desire to show “solidarity” ahead of the July 11-12 NATO summit in Vilnius.
“The preparations for the NATO summit are underway and of course there has been a lot of pressure on Turkey,” he said.
Part of the Azov Regiment of the Ukrainian Army, which was formed on the basis of a radical battalion of the same name, was captured by Russian forces after the fall of Mariupol in May 2022.
Azov fighters are celebrated as heroes in Ukraine for their fierce resistance inside the Azovstal plant during the siege of Mariupol. Russia For their links with the Ukrainian ultranationalists.
“Creator. Social network follower and hipster. Web enthusiast. Passionate alcohol fanatic.” »
