The FSB was concerned with the reaction of the Russians to the “unequal” exchange.
The exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine at the end of September approved President of Russia Vladimir Putin personally. In particular, he insisted on the extradition of Azov commanders to Ukraine and receiving the odious pro-Russian politician and his godfather Viktor Medvedchuk, despite the fact that representatives of the Federal Security Service (FSB) were against such an exchange formula. . This was reported by The Washington Post with reference to information from high-ranking Ukrainian and American officials familiar with the matter.
According to sources of the publication, FSB representatives had fears that the Russians would be unhappy with the exchange, in particular, by a ratio of almost one to four. The FSB was also worried about how people would react to the inequality of the exchanged prisoners: the reception of Medvedchuk and the transfer to Ukraine of the commanders of “Azov”, whom Russian propaganda called neo-Nazis.
“The FSB was categorically against it,” said a senior Ukrainian official on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic. – They were aware of the consequences of how the agreement would look to the public.”
Read also: Expert explained why yesterday's exchange is a blow to Putin's mobilization
WP notes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi called the exchange a “victory for our state”, while the Kremlin has faced rare criticism from Russian supporters of the war against Ukraine, who have condemned the release of the Azov commanders.
“This is worse than a crime… and worse than a mistake. This is huge stupidity,” the Telegram publication quotes Russian terrorist Igor Girkin.
The exchange took place, the newspaper noted, as Putin faced additional domestic pressure due to the announcement of a mobilization in Russia to reinforce Russian units that are in a difficult position at the front. Russian failures have raised doubts about the strategic wisdom of a leader who has long been considered shrewd and cunning, if ruthless.
Also read: The Ministry of Defense said how the Russians tried to cover up the story of the exchange of prisoners
Related video < p>We will remind, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, on the contrary, stated in a comment to DW journalists, commenting on the exchange, that Viktor Medvedchuk was needed by the Russian FSB.
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