US journalist Evan Gershkovich and a Russian intelligence colonel imprisoned for murder were among those freed in a major prisoner swap. Marked as one of the largest East-West exchanges since the Cold War. The deal involved secret negotiations over months, culminating in a dramatic exchange on an airport tarmac in Ankara.
President Joe Biden announced at a news conference, “Their brutal ordeal is over.” He thanked leaders from Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey for their roles in the swap. According to Biden, these leaders made courageous decisions to release Russians convicted of espionage and other crimes, securing the freedom of Westerners and Russian dissidents.
The Turkish presidency reported that 10 Russians, including two minors, were exchanged for 16 Westerners and Russians. Among those Russia received was Vadim Krasikov, convicted in Germany for a high-profile assassination. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the swap a life-saving effort.
In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed the returning Russians, while Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris prepared to greet the freed Americans outside Washington. The Wall Street Journal expressed immense relief at Gershkovich’s release, who was detained in Russia since March 2023 and sentenced to 16 years on disputed spying charges.
The swap also included Paul Whelan, detained since 2018, and other notable figures like Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic. Facilitated amidst ongoing tensions over Ukraine, the exchange reflects intricate international cooperation and highlights the continued use of detained individuals as diplomatic leverage.
