Zelensky: He called the commanders of the Azov Battalion included in the prisoner exchange deal “superheroes”

The president of Ukraine called them “superheroes”. Volodymyr Zelensky his high-ranking Ukrainian commanders Order of Azovincluding those who led the defense of Mariupol, who were released by Russia in an expected prisoner exchangewhich included around 300 people, including foreigners.

Under the terms of the deal, which Turkey helped broker, 215 Ukrainians – most of them captured after the fall of the port city – were released yesterday, Wednesday (21/9). For its part, Ukraine sent back to Russia 55 Russians and Ukrainians close to Moscow.

Ten foreigners were also released after mediation by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who maintains close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Five superheroes have been traded for 55 of those who deserve neither compassion nor pityZelensky pointed out in his speech last night according to the Athens News Agency and welcomed the wider liberalization as “a victory for the country”.

The timing and magnitude of the prisoner exchange was surprising. Earlier the same day Putin had announced partial conscription in Russia apparently in an escalation of the conflict that began in February. Russia-aligned separatists said last month that Mariupol’s commanders would be brought to trial.

The five high-ranking commanders released are Lt. Col. Denis Prokopenko and his deputy Svyatoslav Palamar, both members of the Azov Battalion, which conducted most of the fighting in Mariupol and has been deified in Ukraine.

Also freed was Serhii Volinsky, commander of the 36th Marine Brigade, who in April sent a video message from where the militants were holed up in fortified bunkers beneath the massive Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol. “This is our appeal to the world. It might be the last one we do. We may only have a few days or hours left,” he had said at the time.

The three men helped lead the resistance that lasted several weeks before they and hundreds of Azov fighters surrendered in May to Russian-backed forces.

Zelensky held a video conference with the men after their release from captivity.

The Kremlin calls “exaggerated” reports of men of military age leaving Russia after Vladimir Putin declared conscription.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indirectly confirmed reports that some of the arrested anti-conscription protesters were being served with conscription papers: “It’s not illegal,” he said.

Leader of the Italian Democratic Party Leta: Putin wants our country and the EU divided

Italy’s Democratic Party (PD) leader Enrico Letta said today that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants Italy and the EU to be divided and is eager to elect a right-wing coalition in the country’s parliamentary elections on Sunday.

“It is a dramatic period in the history of Europe and our country,” the former prime minister pointed out at the ANSA Forum.

“What I want is to appeal for an effort to unite the country, to be united and together at a time when we should not be divided. What Putin wants is a divided Italy and a divided Europe, an Italy that works to divide Europe,” Letta said.

“After the elections there will be a result and another government, not (outgoing Prime Minister) Draghi. The elections should take into account the fact that there must be a government capable of taking a clear position and stop the ambiguity that is not good for our country or for Europe’s ability to be united. When I realize that Putin has a strong interest in the election result in Italy, that he will be happy for the extreme right to win in our country, I am worried” he said in closing.