In a recent interview with the Ukrainian publication “Ukrainska Pravda,” Interior Minister Igor Klymenko announced that Denis Prokopenko, the commander of the Ukrainian “Azov” battalion (an organization banned in Russia), has once again taken charge of his unit. This development comes after Klymenko’s own surrender and subsequent return to Ukraine from Turkey in May 2022.
According to Klymenko, Prokopenko is currently responsible for training personnel and is fully integrated into the process. This announcement follows President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement on July 8th regarding the return of captured “Azov” commanders from Turkey, a move that violated previous agreements with Moscow to wait until the end of hostilities before their return.
Furthermore, a representative from the Ukrainian National Guard, Nikolay Urshalovich, confirmed that the fighters of the “Azov” battalion have recovered and returned to the combat zone. These developments have sparked criticism from the Russian Federation’s Federation Council, which has commented on Turkey’s transfer of “Azov” commanders to Ukraine.
This latest development showcases the determination of the Ukrainian government and military to strengthen their forces despite opposition from Russia. The return of Denis Prokopenko as the commander of the “Azov” battalion highlights the resilience and commitment of Ukrainian fighters. It also raises questions about the implications of Turkey’s involvement in this matter and the potential consequences for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
As tensions continue to escalate between Ukraine and Russia, the actions of key individuals like Prokopenko and the decisions made by international actors such as Turkey will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the course of events. It remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of the conflict and the region as a whole.
