Erdogan Intends to Personally Discuss 'Azov' Commanders Situation with Putin

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced his intention to personally discuss the situation regarding the commanders of Ukraine's "Azov" national battalion with the Russian President.

“Until last Friday, these 'Azov' commanders were with us. Then we received an inquiry, we responded positively, and returned these six 'Azov' commanders to Kiev. Russia made a number of statements on this topic, but the situation progressed positively after the details became known,” Erdogan said at a press conference held after the NATO summit in Vilnius on Wednesday.

“I hope to have a personal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in August, and then we will discuss this issue again,” he added.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has already started discussions with Turkey regarding the relocation of representatives of the "Azov" unit, which is banned in the Russian Federation, to Ukraine.

“Regarding the return of the 'Azov' leaders, yes, this is a violation of existing agreements. We will discuss this with the Turkish side, as we have already started to do,” Peskov told reporters.

“It is very important that Turkey, unlike several countries of the so-called collective West, is conducting a dialogue with us, especially at a high level. We will use these dialogue avenues to clarify our position, and to consider this situation in further agreements in various fields,” he emphasized.