When Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky returned from a visit to Turkey last weekend, he did not board the plane alone. Joining him were five former Azov commanders, captured by Russia in the 2022 siege of Mariupol and later handed over to Turkey in a prisoner exchange. Their return to Ukraine was a major diplomatic win for Ukraine and a slap in the face for Russia, who has since accused Turkey of violating the terms of the deal to score points with the West.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky can be seen standing on the tarmac at Istanbul Airport as a small convoy of vehicles approaches the runway. Violin music plays in the background, and as the vehicles comes to a standstill, five passengers are filmed in slow motion as they step out of a black minivan. The Ukrainian president greets them one by one with a firm handshake and big, friendly hug. The emotion and satisfaction on Zelensky’s face is undeniable.
