Historic U.S.-Russia-Belarus Prisoner Swap Imminent

Signs of a major prisoner exchange involving Russia, Belarus, the United States, Germany, Slovenia, and Britain have emerged, although no official confirmation has been provided. The exchange is said to involve high-profile prisoners, including U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich. Reports suggest coordinated movements of prisoners and government planes are occurring.

Signs of a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Belarus on one side and the United States, Germany, Slovenia, and Britain on the other are emerging, despite a lack of official confirmation. Fox News reported that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich may return to the U.S. as part of the swap.

Flight tracking on Flightradar24 showed a special Russian government aircraft, previously used for prisoner swaps, flying from Moscow to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad before returning to the capital. Pervy Otdel, an association defending those accused of treason and espionage in Russian courts, suggested that a prisoner exchange might have occurred at the Polish border, though Reuters couldn't confirm this.

Numerous prisoners, including U.S. marine Paul Whelan and Russian-British dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, have recently vanished from prison, while others like Vadim Ostanin have been moved to Moscow. Media outlet 'Agenstvo' reported multiple special government flights linked to dissident prison locations. The Kremlin has declined to comment, as have Russian embassies and Western governments.

(With inputs from agencies.)