Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy brought home five former commanders of Ukraine’s garrison in Mariupol from Turkey on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The move was highly symbolic and came on the 500th day of the war in Ukraine.
The five commanders were previously taken prisoner by Russian forces after the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol fell in May 2022. The plant served as the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the city.
The release of the commanders was reportedly negotiated by Turkey, which has been acting as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia. However, Russia has condemned the release, stating that it violated a prisoner exchange deal agreed upon last year.
The return of the commanders to Ukraine was met with great joy by the Ukrainian people, who consider them heroes for their defense of Mariupol. President Zelenskiy assured that they would receive the necessary medical assistance and support.
This release is seen as a significant victory for Ukraine, indicating Russia’s willingness to make concessions and potentially leading to further prisoner exchanges. Moreover, it boosts the morale of the Ukrainian people, who have been fighting for their country for over four months.
