Historic Prisoner Swap: Russia and the West's Diplomatic Chess Game

In a significant diplomatic exchange, Russia and the West executed the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War. Moscow freed notable Western journalists and dissidents, while securing the return of key Russian operatives, including Vadim Krasikov. This move underscores Putin's message of unwavering loyalty to Russian security services.

President Vladimir Putin walked along the red carpet amidst rifle-wielding honor guards to greet intelligence operatives returning home in the biggest prisoner swap with the West since the Cold War.

The Kremlin secured the release of Vadim Krasikov, imprisoned in Germany for the assassination of a former Chechen militant, along with other Russians in exchange for Western journalists and dissidents. Among the freed were American journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

Putin's gesture was a morale boost for security services, reinforcing his commitment to bringing home captured operatives. The West sees the swap as a diplomatic victory, while Russia portrays it as a demonstration of national loyalty and state protection.

(With inputs from agencies.)