President Joe Biden speak to members of press surrounded by family members of the released prisoners.
In a landmark move, the United States and Russia executed a historic prisoner swap on Thursday, releasing 24 detainees, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan. The deal, which spanned several countries, marked one of the largest and most complex exchanges since the Cold War.
The exchange, involving the US, Russia, Belarus, and Germany, culminated with Berlin agreeing to Moscow’s critical demand: the release of Vadim Krasikov, a convicted Russian assassin. In total, Russia received eight individuals, including Krasikov, while the US and its allies secured the release of 16 detainees, including four Americans.
The swap also saw the freedom of prominent Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, a US permanent resident, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan hailed the swap as unprecedented, noting the extensive cooperation from close US allies and partners.
By midday Thursday, Whelan, Gershkovich, and Kurmasheva were en route back to the US, as confirmed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. President Joe Biden praised the deal as a diplomatic triumph, emphasizing the profound impact on the lives of those who had endured prolonged suffering.
Biden acknowledged the critical role of international collaboration in securing the deal. “This was only possible because of the combined efforts of many nations,” he stated, stressing the importance of strong alliances.
At the White House, Biden was joined by the families of the released individuals, including Kurmasheva’s daughter Miriam Butorin, who was celebrating her 13th birthday. In a heartfelt moment, Biden and the assembled press sang “Happy Birthday” to her. In the Wall Street Journal newsroom, staffers celebrated Gershkovich’s release with champagne, marking the end of a challenging period for their colleague. Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker described the day as “historic,” praising the courage and resilience of Gershkovich and his family throughout the ordeal.
