Major East-West Prisoner Exchange Frees Dozens

In a significant East-West prisoner exchange, three U.S. citizens and one legal permanent resident have been freed from Russia. Twelve German nationals and Russian political prisoners are also returning to Germany. Eight individuals are being sent back to Russia. Two children, not prisoners, were involved in the swap.

A major East-West prisoner exchange took place Thursday, according to a senior Administration official.

Among those returning home from Russia are three U.S. citizens and one legal permanent resident: Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza. Twelve German nationals and Russian political prisoners, including Dieter Voronin, Kevin Lick, and Rico Krieger, will return to Germany.

Eight people are returning to Russia, such as Vadim Krasikov (from Germany) and Artem Viktorovich Dultsev (from Slovenia). Vadim Konoshchenock and Vladislav Klyushin, both from the United States, are also among those returning to Russia. Two children were involved in the swap but were not prisoners.

(With inputs from agencies.)