5 Azov Battalion commanders return to Ukraine in prisoner exchange

ANKARA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Saturday that the commanders of five Azov Battalions, who were in Türkiye, have returned.

"We are returning home from Türkiye and bringing our heroes home. Ukrainian soldiers Denys Prokopenko, Svyatoslav Palamar, Serhiy Volynsky, Oleh Khomenko, Denys Shleha. They will finally be with their relatives. Glory to Ukraine!" Zelenskyy said on Twitter

He greeted the soldiers in the video he tweeted.

The Azov Battalion commanders, who were included in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, were in Türkiye for security purposes.

Zelenskyy visited Türkiye and met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday to discuss relations, regional and international issues, including the latest developments in the war.

The prisoner exchange came after Zelenskyy's visit.

The Ukrainian president also expressed his gratitude for Ankara's constant support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Türkiye, internationally praised for its unique mediator role between Ukraine and Russia, has repeatedly urged Kyiv and Moscow to end the war through talks.