Largest Prisoner Swap Since Cold War: Key Figures, Reactions, and Hidden Details

The largest prisoner swap since the Cold War has been executed, with the Kremlin acknowledging that some exchanged Russians were from its security services. Freed dissidents and their families expressed joy at the release, which included notable figures such as journalists Gershkovich and Kurmasheva, and former Marine Paul Whelan.

Breaking news on Friday revealed the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War, with the Kremlin acknowledging for the first time that some of the exchanged Russians were from its security services. Families of freed dissidents expressed joy at the unexpected release.

Journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, along with former Marine Paul Whelan, were welcomed in Maryland by their families and President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin greeted the Russian returnees at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport, promising them state awards. Among those returning was Vadim Krasikov, a Russian assassin previously serving a life sentence in Germany. Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed that Krasikov was an officer of the Federal Security Service, FSB, and had served in its special Alpha unit.

Peskov also revealed that Artem Dultsov and Anna Dultsova, released in Slovenia, were undercover intelligence officers. Their children, unaware of their parents' nationality, joined the family on their flight to Moscow.

The historic trade freed two dozen prisoners, despite strained relations between Washington and Moscow following Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow released 15 individuals, including American, German, and Russian dissidents, some of whom faced politically motivated charges.