Anadolu Agency
May 17, 2022

Families of Ukrainian fighters in Azovstal in Turkey to seek help

The relatives of Ukrainian soldiers stuck in the Azovstal steelworks in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol asked for Turkey’s assistance to save their loved ones, as they praised President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his efforts to ensure peace.

The group, made up of four Ukrainians, wives and a mother of Mariupol fighters, led by Ruslana, a Ukrainian singer who won the 2004 Eurovision song contest, urged Erdoğan to help extract soldiers who are cornered in an underground tunnel network at Mariupol’s Azovstal steel plant.

“Today, we would like to address Mr. Erdogan to combine international efforts,” Ruslana told a packed hall. “Turkey’s role (in efforts to resolve the conflict) is very high.”

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“I appeal to the Turkish community….to say thank you so much, for everything you do for Ukraine, for your support, help, understanding, energy, thank you so much personally to President Erdogan,” Ruslana added.

“Our message today is to stand with Ukraine, unite for Ukraine, help Mariupol, help Azovstal, help our brave Ukrainian soldiers there, make a mission,” she explained….

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Natalia Zarytska, the wife of a Ukrainian soldier, also thanked the Turkish public and Turkish leadership for supporting Ukraine.

“Turkey is our last hope,” said Zarytska tearfully. “Mr. Erdogan, please save our relatives. Your such peaceful efforts are worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize.” [As though that prospect hasn’t occurred to Erdoğan, the Kremlin’s much-touted strategic partner.]