Russia says Turkey is turning into unfriendly country

Russian media reported the information.

According to Bondarev, Turkey is turning from a neutral country into an unfriendly one.

"The transfer of Azov commanders to Kyiv in violation of the agreements reached, as well as statements about Ukraine's accelerated accession to NATO, indicate that Turkey is turning from a neutral country into an unfriendly one," the Russian said.

He urged Turkey to consider withdrawing from NATO and allying with Russia. In his opinion, such cooperation would be beneficial for both countries.

Information regarding the Azovstal commanders who have returned from captivity

On September 21, 2022, a total of 215 Ukrainian defenders were released from Russian captivity. Among them were Denys Prokopenko, Svyatoslav Palamar, Serhiy Volynskyi, Oleh Khomenko, and Denys Shleha.

The operation to free the prisoners had three parts: exchanging Ukrainians for Viktor Medvedchuk, who is close to Vladimir Putin, getting assistance from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to release 5 commanders, and freeing 10 foreign fighters who supported Ukraine.

On September 24, the spokesperson for the Turkish president, Ibrahim Kalin, said that Erdogan and Zelenskyy agreed to exchange 15 Azovstal commanders, but only 5 were released.

Molfar, the deputy commander of the Azov regiment, stated that all the Ukrainian soldiers who were released had been tortured by the Russians during their captivity. They were in a tough condition, both mentally and physically, and needed help.

In September, Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, had a conversation with the released Azovstal commanders who were in Turkey at the time. They received medical examinations, and their condition was thoroughly assessed.

On July 8, 2023, Ukraine brought back the commanders from Azovstal who were in Turkey after being captured by the Russians.