Historic U.S.-Russia Prisoner Exchange: A Diplomatic Triumph

U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan were freed from Russian detention in a significant U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange. The deal, involving 24 prisoners, was hailed by President Biden and brokered with the help of several countries. This marks a major diplomatic success for the Biden administration amidst ongoing tensions.

In a historic diplomatic move, U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan returned to the United States on Thursday, following their release from Russian detention in the largest prisoner exchange between the two nations since the Cold War. The White House announced that the exchange involved negotiations with Russia, Germany, and three other countries.

President Joe Biden lauded the year-long, secretive negotiation, which saw a total of 24 prisoners swapped—16 leaving Russia for the West and eight returning to Russia. The German government confirmed the inclusion of Vadim Krasikov, convicted of assassinating an exiled dissident in Berlin, among those exchanged.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted the freed Americans, including journalist Alsu Kurmasheva and Russian-British dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, at Joint Base Andrews. Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the returned citizens in Moscow, who were assured state awards. The Biden administration is celebrating this as a significant diplomatic victory, although U.S.-Russia relations remain strained.

(With inputs from agencies.)