KYIV (Reuters) – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy successfully brought home five former commanders of Ukraine’s garrison in Mariupol from Turkey on Saturday, marking a significant achievement for the nation. However, Russia has condemned the release, claiming that it violates a previous prisoner exchange agreement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed disappointment that Moscow was not informed about the decision and emphasized that Turkey had committed to keeping the commanders in their custody. The tension between the two countries continues to escalate.
To commemorate the 500th day of the war, Zelenskiy also visited Snake Island, a Black Sea outcrop that was seized by Russian forces during the invasion but later abandoned. This visit serves as a symbolic gesture of Ukraine reclaiming its territory and asserting its sovereignty.
The five commanders who returned home are regarded as heroes in Ukraine for their courageous defense of Mariupol and the Azovstal steel plant against Russian forces. They led a vigorous three-month resistance, ultimately prevailing against all odds. Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are returning home from Turkey and bringing our heroes home.” The reunion of these commanders with their families and communities is a significant moment for the nation.
Thousands of innocent civilians lost their lives in Mariupol during the Russian attack. The Ukrainian defenders valiantly held their ground in tunnels and bunkers beneath the Azovstal plant until they were compelled to surrender in May of last year. Some of them were released in a prisoner swap brokered by Ankara in September, with the condition that they remain in Turkey until the end of the conflict.
The unexpected release of the commanders has sparked controversy, with Peskov accusing Turkey of succumbing to pressure from its NATO allies. He suggests that the timing of the release is connected to the upcoming NATO summit, where Ukraine hopes to secure a positive signal regarding its potential membership.
Notably, Zelenskiy has not provided an explanation for the commanders’ early return. It remains unclear why Turkey decided to release them at this particular moment. Requests for comments from Turkey’s Directorate of Communications regarding the matter have gone unanswered. However, Zelenskiy publicly expressed his gratitude to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, acknowledging his crucial role in facilitating the release and vowing to continue efforts to bring home all remaining prisoners.
The Ukrainian people have celebrated the return of the commanders, viewing their release as a triumph of bravery and resilience. Messages of congratulations and support flooded social media platforms, with many expressing relief and pride in their compatriots’ victorious homecoming. Major Maksym Zhorin, who is currently fighting in eastern Ukraine, joyfully exclaimed on the Telegram messaging app, “Finally! The best news ever. Congratulations to our brothers!”
Denys Prokopenko, one of the five commanders, addressed the gathering during a ceremony in Lviv. He stated that his men will continue to play a pivotal role in future battles, emphasizing Ukraine’s strategic advantage. Prokopenko praised Ukraine’s recent counter-offensive, highlighting the nation’s progress and determination to reclaim its territory.
International support for Ukraine remains strong, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken denouncing Russia as the main obstacle to a just and lasting peace. He assured Ukraine of unwavering support and promised to stand by the nation for as long as it takes to secure stability. France’s foreign ministry also condemned Russia’s illegal war of aggression and stressed the urgency for Russia to recognize its impasse and halt its destructive actions.
In response to Ukraine’s needs, the U.S. pledged further support, including the supply of widely banned cluster munitions. Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov assured the international community that these munitions would not be used against Russia but would help protect Ukrainian forces.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue their offensive operations in the southeast, with the general staff of Ukraine’s armed forces confirming advancements in two sectors. They have also retaken areas near the devastated city of Bakhmut, which fell under Russian control after months of intense battles.
The situation between Ukraine and Russia remains tense and unpredictable. President Zelenskiy’s successful retrieval of the commanders from Turkey reflects Ukraine’s determination to secure its sovereignty and protect its citizens. The international community stands united in condemning Russia’s aggression and supporting Ukraine in its quest for a just and lasting peace.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
