According to the negotiations with the Turkish side, Ukraine returned to their homeland the military – defenders of Azovstal: Commander of the Azov special operations unit of the National Guard, Hero of Ukraine Denys Prokopenko, his deputy Svyatoslav Palamar, acting Commander of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade Serhiy Volynsky, Senior Officer of the Azov unit Oleh Khomenko and Commander of the 12th Brigade of the National Guard Denys Shleha. 

The soldiers were in Türkiye after being released from Russian captivity.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met the defenders at the Istanbul airport and congratulated them on their return.

"I congratulate you! You are our heroes. I am very glad of your return to your homeland. Glory to Ukraine!" the Head of State said.

On the plane, Zelenskyy talked with the defenders of Azovstal and thanked them for their courage and resilience.