The United States and Russia completed their largest post-Soviet prisoner swap, releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and Alsu Kurmasheva, among others, in a deal that saw two dozen people freed. Despite tensions between the two countries over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the exchange was seen as a diplomatic feat. The U.S. and allies released Russians charged with serious crimes in exchange for journalists, dissidents, and political prisoners held in Russia.
President Biden and Vice President Harris greeted the returning Americans at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and later at the White House. The deal also secured the release of Kremlin critics, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, and other associates of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Significant concessions were made to facilitate the swap, including the release of a Russian assassin.
The exchange was widely celebrated, with family members expressing joy and relief at the return of their loved ones. Biden has made securing the release of wrongfully detained Americans a top priority in his foreign policy agenda. The swap involved multiple countries, with Turkey hosting the location for the exchange in Ankara. The Biden administration has now brought home over 70 wrongly detained Americans as part of various deals.
Critics have raised concerns that such swaps could incentivize future hostage-taking and give adversaries leverage over the U.S. Despite the debate, the focus for now is on celebrating the successful return of the prisoners. The release of the 24 individuals marked the largest prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia in post-Soviet history.
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