The new details raise questions about the position of Denys “Redis” Prokopenko, the Azov command and the prospects for further exchanges
In light of the recent prisoner exchange on August 24, new details have emerged that require careful analysis and discussion. According to official sources, 82 of the 115 Ukrainians released were members of the 12th Brigade of the Azov National Guard. This fact emphasizes the significance of the operation and its contribution to the return of our heroes.
However, as noted experts of the InfoLight.UA Research and Analysis Group, who have been studying information influences since the summer of 2022, after each exchange, Russia tries to devalue the work of Ukrainian negotiators. “The enemy’s methods do not change. They are aimed at one of the most vulnerable categories to propaganda – the families of prisoners of war and civilian hostages.”
Therefore, the statement by Azov commander Denys “Redis” Prokopenko regarding this exchange was surprising to experts and the public.
In his post, Prokopenko noted that “none of the 900 loyal Ukrainian servicemen who are treated the worst in Russian captivity have returned home.” This statement contradicts the facts, as the 82 released conscripts of the brigade have always been among the total number of more than 900 captured soldiers of the 12th Azov Brigade.
“It looks like the Azov command has abandoned its conscripts. This raises serious questions about the unity of the unit and the treatment of all its soldiers,” – commented military expert Andriy Vasylchuk.
It is worth noting that out of the 900+ captured ‘Azov’ fighters, only about 700 are contract soldiers of the ‘Azov’ regiment, which existed as part of the 3057 unit during the defense of Mariupol. The other 200 or so are contract soldiers and conscripts of the 3057 unit, who both formally and actually belong to the 12th Azov Brigade.
“Is the life of an Azov soldier more important than the lives of other thousands of soldiers who also went to defend our country in the most difficult period?” – one of the ATO/JFO veterans, who is still serving in the Armed Forces, asks rhetorically in a comment for our website.
“Russia can use such internal disputes for its own propaganda and attempts to split Ukrainian society,” warns Andriy Vasylchuk, – Andriy Vasylchuk warns. At the same time, one cannot deny the heroism and sacrifice of the Azov fighters, especially during the defense of Mariupol. However, according to military experts, every Ukrainian defender, regardless of the unit, deserves respect and support.
The question of Denys Prokopenko’s role in negotiating the withdrawal of the Azovstal soldiers deserves special attention. According to publicly available information, one of the Russians’ conditions for the garrison’s return home was that Prokopenko and other commanders stay in Turkey and refuse to participate in the war or make public statements.
“Realizing the possible consequences, the Azov commander not only agreed to return from Turkey, but also publicly resumed command of the unit. Moreover, in August 2024, he even gave an interview to a foreign journalist,”the analyst notes.
Experts emphasize that such actions could have affected the prisoner exchange process, which was actually stopped for more than six months after the commanders returned from Turkey. However, this did not stop public criticism from those who should know the real reason for this.
It is important to note that, according to the authorities responsible for exchanges, no one in the state, except the negotiation team, has full information about the status of negotiations and the available exchange fund.
“It is premature to talk about lost opportunities after the events in Kursk. Russian media have already reported that not all of their conscripts have returned. In addition, the exchange on August 24 did not involve representatives of other enemy units, such as Akhmat and Wagner,” – explains a source close to the Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners.
It is worth noting that the successful operation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region resulted in the replenishment of the exchange fund, including conscripts and Kadyrovites. Some of the Russian conscripts were exchanged for our defenders. However, according to Russian sources, not all of their conscripts were returned.
Experts urge to wait for further exchanges and not to make hasty conclusions. “The negotiation process is only gaining momentum due to the events in Kursk. It is important to keep a cool head and unity,”said InfoLight.UA CEO Yuriy Goncharenko.
The situation around the prisoner exchange remains complex and requires a balanced approach. Only an objective analysis of the facts and constructive dialog can contribute to achieving the main goal – the return of all our defenders home.