Historic U.S.-Russia Prisoner Exchange: Diplomacy in Action

Russia released U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan in a major prisoner exchange involving 24 prisoners, including high-profile individuals like Vadim Krasikov. This significant diplomatic effort, praised by U.S. President Joe Biden, involved multiple countries and marked a notable, though isolated, diplomatic achievement without altering strained U.S.-Russia relations.

Russia freed U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whelan on Thursday in what is being described as the largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War. The swap, negotiated by the U.S., Russia, Germany, and other countries, involved 24 prisoners in total, with 16 moving from Russia to the West.

U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the deal as a significant diplomatic victory. "Today is a powerful example of why it's vital to have friends in this world," Biden remarked, commending German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his crucial role in the exchange. The exchanged prisoners landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland late Thursday, greeted by Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin met the returning prisoners, hailing their return as a national triumph. Despite the swap, U.S.-Russia relations remain strained, with critics warning that the release of dreaded criminals could incentivize more hostage-taking. Other countries including Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Belarus were also part of the secret negotiations coordinated by Turkey.

(With inputs from agencies.)