Putin Pardons 12 Prisoners Including Americans in Swap Deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pardoned 12 prisoners, including three Americans, in a swap with Western countries. The Kremlin expressed gratitude to all nations involved and specifically thanked Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for releasing German national Rico Krieger.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pardoned 12 prisoners, including three Americans, in a recent prisoner swap with Western countries, according to a decree issued on Thursday.

The move aims to facilitate the return of Russian captives held abroad. The Kremlin expressed appreciation to all the nations that contributed to the preparation of the swap.

Specifically, the Kremlin acknowledged the efforts of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for his role in freeing German national Rico Krieger. (Writing by Felix Light; Editing by Alex Richardson)