Biden Announces Prisoner Swap Deal with Russia

President Biden announced the release of three Americans and one green-card holder from Russian imprisonment as part of a prisoner swap deal with Russia. The swap also included releasing prisoners from Germany and Russia. Biden emphasized the importance of diplomatic alliances and vowed to continue efforts to free Americans held abroad.

President Joe Biden on Thursday announced the release of three American citizens and one green-card holder who were imprisoned in Russia, as part of a prisoner swap deal with the Russian authorities.

Among those freed were Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmashev. This release was part of a multi-country deal with Russia.

'The deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy. All told, we've negotiated the release of 16 people from Russia — including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country. Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over,' Biden said.

'The brutal ordeal is over, and they're free. Moments ago, the families and I were able to speak to them on the telephone from the Oval Office. They're out of Russia earlier today. They were flown to Turkey and soon they'll be wheels up on their way home to see their families. This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here,' the president told reporters.

Biden said that under the deal, Russia released 16 prisoners, including four Americans, five Germans, and seven Russian political prisoners. In return, eight Russians held in the West would be sent home. He expressed gratitude to allies like Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Turkey for supporting the complex negotiations.

'This is a powerful example of why it's vital to have friends in this world whom you can trust and depend upon. Our alliances make Americans safer,' Biden remarked.

'And let me be clear: I will not stop working until every American wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world is reunited with their family. My Administration has now brought home over 70 such Americans, many of whom were in captivity since before I took office. Still, too many families are suffering and separated from their loved ones, and I have no higher priority as President than bringing those Americans home,' he continued.

'Today, we celebrate the return of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir and rejoice with their families. We remember all those still wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world. And reaffirm our pledge to their families: We see you. We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring your loved ones home where they belong,' Biden declared.

(With inputs from agencies.)