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Historic US-Russia Prisoner Swap Frees 24, Including Gershkovich, Whelan, and 16 Political Prisoners

Aug 3, 2024, 07:37 PM

In a historic prisoner exchange, the United States and Russia swapped 24 detainees, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan. The exchange, facilitated by multiple countries and taking place in Ankara, Turkey, is the largest since the Cold War. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed several freed Russian intelligence operatives, including Vadim Krasikov, a convicted assassin. The deal has sparked controversy, with some freed Russian opposition figures, such as Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin, calling for the easing of sanctions against Russia and negotiations with Ukraine. This stance has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials and the public, who view the opposition figures’ comments as undermining the fight against Russian aggression. Despite the release of 16 political prisoners, hundreds of political prisoners, including Americans, remain detained in Russia. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted the freed prisoners upon their arrival in the U.S.