Historic U.S.-Russian Prisoner Exchange: Role of Saudi Crown Prince MbS Appreciated by Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his role in facilitating the largest U.S.-Russian prisoner swap since the Cold War. The exchange, involving 24 prisoners, highlights the deepening personal and economic ties between the two countries' leaders.

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his significant role in organizing the largest U.S.-Russian prisoner swap since the Cold War. The exchange saw U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whelan return to the United States on Aug. 1 after being detained in Russia.

The top-secret swap, which took more than a year to arrange, involved 24 prisoners - 16 moving from Russia to the West and eight sent back to Russia from the West. 'Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince played an active role in the initial stages of this work. We are very grateful to him, as it resulted in the return of our citizens to the homeland,' Putin said at the Eastern Economic Forum.

Putin also expressed appreciation to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan for providing the venue for the exchange and mentioned unnamed Arab countries that facilitated the swap. Since 2015, when the Crown Prince first visited Russia, the two leaders have developed a close personal relationship, aiding in the conclusion and maintenance of the OPEC+ energy deal.

(With inputs from agencies.)