Ukraine released Medvedchuk. 270 prisoners were exchanged
According to Zelensky, the released prisoners will stay in Turkey in “completely safe and comfortable conditions” after the end of the war
Ukraine He announced the release of 215 soldiers from captivity. Among them are those who defend the Azovstal plant in Mariupol. 55 soldiers of Russia free done.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the release of the prisoners in a speech on September 21. According to him, five military the commander, including those leading the defense of Azovstal, were taken to Turkey as part of a pre-prepared operation. Operation Turkey President Recep Tayyip ErdoganIt is reported that it has been agreed with.
According to Zelensky, the released prisoners will stay in Turkey in “completely safe and comfortable conditions” after the end of the war.
One of the 55 prisoners given to Russia is a former Ukrainian deputy, Russia President Vladimir Putinally of Victor Medvedchukstop He has been under house arrest since May 2021 on charges of treason and terrorist financing.
Zelensky Medvedchuk was previously held by Russia military exchange for captives offer had done
this is Russia the largest between the parties since the invasion began in late February captive exchange.
“We achieved the freedom of 215 people”, – Ukraine the president Andrey Yermak, head of the administration, said in a televised speech. He said that 108 of those released were fighters of the Azov Regiment.
Yermak captive He said that the exchange was held in several stages and in different places.
He was previously transferred from Russia to Saudi Arabia 10 military captive was released as part of this exchange. Five of them are British and two are American.
Erdogan said on September 19 that Russia and Ukraine 20They agreed to exchange 0 prisoners, but did not disclose the details.
of Ukraine Mariupol, located on the coast of the Sea of Azov in the southeast, was bombarded by Russian forces for weeks. Civilians also took refuge in the underground tunnels at the Azovstal steel plant.
In May, Ukrainian forces agreed to surrender. At that time, Moscow captured 2,500 soldiers. As part of the prisoner exchange that took place in June free 95 out of 144 people were Azovstal fighters.
The Azov Regiment was previously a volunteer battalion, which caused controversy due to its connections to extreme right-wing figures.
In July of Ukraine Dozens of Ukrainian prisoners of war, including members of the Azov Regiment, were killed in an attack on a prison complex in an area controlled by Russian-backed separatists in eastern Donetsk region. perished is reported to be.